Samantha MacDonald became the assistant coach for the Westmont men’s and women’s golf teams in 2019 after five years of working with golfers as a Titleist Performance Institute (TPI Level 1 and Medical Level 2) certified coach in Seattle, Wash.
“I feel very fortunate to be able to work with head coach Tom Knecht and the athletic department in the building of the men’s and women’s golf programs at Westmont,” said MacDonald. “Golf has its unique set of challenges and triumphs as a sport and I look forward to applying my knowledge and experience in sports physical therapy to a dedicated and skilled incoming class.”
She originally joined the Westmont community as a student-athlete, playing on the soccer team and graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2012. She was named team captain and awarded as an NAIA Champion of Character during her senior year.
After graduating from Westmont, she moved to Seattle and received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Washington. Since 2016, she has worked in a variety of settings as a licensed physical therapist, specializing in sports performance and rehabilitation.
Her priorities as an assistant coach are to build a golf program that is founded on sound research for injury prevention and optimal physical performance. She utilizes efficient practice patterns and effective motor learning skills to build athleticism and keep sports enjoyable. She wants nothing more than to assist her players in developing physical, emotional and mental skills for golf and life.
“I believe in helping players understand movement mechanics, set and meet evolving goals, and know how to problem solve in real time with a growth mindset,” said MacDonald.
