The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced Bryan Novoa as the women’s golf head coach on October 12, 2017.
In his second full season, Novoa guided the program to three top-10 finishes, including a fourth place finish at the UTRGV Invitational. UTRGV set a program record for the lowest single round score with a 293 in the first round of the Pat Bradley Invitational. Novoa helped the program finish the spring season with a Golf Stat rank of 186.
In his first full season at the helm, Novoa guided the team to a pair of top-five at the Islander Classic and the UTRGV Invitational. UTRGV posted the program’s fourth lowest single team round score with a 297 in the second round of the Bearkat Invitational while Michelle Moroles posted the program’s second lowest individual single round score of 69.
UTRGV posted the program’s second lowest team single round score of 295 in the first round of the Bobcat Invitational.
In the spring of 2018, Novoa guided the team to a fifth place finish at the Islander Classic while also posting sixth place finishes at the UTRGV Invitational and the WAC Championship, where they posted a season-best team score of 914, including a third round 299.
Novoa served as the head scoring instructor at Scoring Solutions Golf for the last nine years, working with junior golfers to develop different styles of scoring and on-course education while also assisting them with college recruitment.
Novoa spent 2010-15 assisting First Tee San Antonio as a classroom teacher and mentor. First Tee San Antonio is a chapter of an international youth development organization with the mission of impacting the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.
Novoa also has experience at the collegiate level, working as an assistant coach at Texas Tech in 2006-07. Novoa was in charge of facilitating individual practice plans while aiding in fund raising and recruiting.
Before getting into coaching, Novoa spent 10 years, from 1997-06, playing professionally on the APT Tour, PGA Tour Canada, PGA Tour Latin America and the Web.com Tour.
Novoa had a strong playing career at Texas Tech, earning NCAA All-American honors after winning the Southwest Conference Championship in 1996.
Novoa graduated from Texas Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Restaurant, Hotel and Institutional Management.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT BRYAN NOVOA
Philip Tate, UTRGV Men’s Golf Head Coach/Former Teammate at Texas Tech
I am very excited. Bryan is a very dynamic individual and excellent instructor. He is going to bring a knowledge of the golf swing and of the game from his professional background and from his coaching background that the young women are going to relish and be excited by. I think they are going to see an immediate improvement and immediate success. Bryan is known for his motivational skills and he is known for getting the most out of his players.
Eddie Lucio III, Texas State Representative District 38
Bryan is one of the rare individuals that not only knows how to play the game at the highest levels but has the leadership qualities and temperament to teach and inspire young people to reach their potential in golf. We are truly blessed to have him in the Rio Grande Valley and leading our women’s team to future victories.
Bill Rogers, 1981 British Open Champion/Former PGA Professional
Based on Bryan’s involvement as a touring professional and teaching professional, he is a golf man. There is no doubt that he is going to be a tremendous asset to the women’s program and to the athletic staff at UTRGV.
Bryan Gathright, Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Golf Teachers/Director of Instruction at Oak Hills Country Club
I am so very happy to hear that UTRGV just hired my long-time friend, colleague and former pupil, Bryan Novoa, as the head women’s golf coach. Bryan has a vast knowledge and experience both playing and teaching the game of golf. He will do a fabulous job guiding the ladies fortunate enough to play for him. He is truly a great hire and I will be happy to send future young pupils to UTRGVto learn both golf and life skills from Bryan.
Matt Trevino, Head Professional at Riverhill Country Club
Bryan offers a 360-degree approach to teaching. Most instructors focus strictly on the swing mechanics, but Bryan can advise students of any age or ability level about body mechanics, fitness training, and proper nutrition. He also understands the difference between swinging the club and playing the game. He does lots of work on course, teaching students the proper shot selection, how to strategically play holes, and most importantly, work on the mental approach to playing.
