Dana Dormann, who was a three-time All-American in her playing days at San Jose State, has been promoted to head coach of the Spartans’ women’s golf team, effective on Aug. 1.
Dormann, who signed a five-year contract, has been an associate head coach and assistant coach in the San Jose State program for the last 13-plus seasons. Dormann replaced her husband, John Dormann.
“Dana is a proven competitor and is ready to lead the program to new heights. As an alumnae, she exudes Spartan Pride and will be an outstanding ambassador for the program, our department and San José State,” said Marie Tuite, director of athletics at San Jose State.
“Her knowledge of the game, her Spartan pride, her excellent teaching skills and her familiarity with San Jose State made her the ideal person to continue the high standards Coach Mark Gale set 20 years ago and more recently, Coach John Dormann.
“In addition, she is very student-athlete centered and cares deeply about the experiences available to women golfers. I’m thrilled to name her our next head coach.”
Dormann, a member of the San Jose State Sports Hall of Fame, helped coach the Spartans to berths at the NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championships in 2010 and 2013.
In 2011, Dormann was named the Coach of the Year for the Western Section, as selected by the LPGA Teachers and Club Profession membership.
“I am excited for this opportunity to lead the San Jose State women’s golf program,” the 50-year-old Dormann said. “I want to thank Marie Tuite, Rich and Cindy Thawley and the entire committee for selecting me for this position.
“I want to thank my husband, John, for all he has done for San Jose State women’s golf. I look forward to building on the foundation we have built together. We will focus on building a Culture of Champions For Life here at San José State.
“My background in golf has uniquely prepared me to lead the Spartan women’s golf program. The Spartan Golf Complex is a game changer for our program. So many great things are happening in San Jose and at San Jose State. I am excited to be a part of it. Spartan Up!”
Dormann captured the 1985 U.S. Junior Championship and 1985 Junior World championship before heading to San Jose State, where she played from 1985 through 1988.
In 1987, she won four tournaments and was Pacific Coach Athletic Association Player of the Year as she helped the Spartans capture the 1987 NCAA Championship. Dormann was also an assistant coach for San Jose State’s 1989 NCAA Championship team.
Dormann, a member of the Golf Coaches Association of America Hall of Fame, played nine years on the LPGA tour and captured the 1992 Las Vegas LPGA International and the 1993 McCall’s LPGA Classic.
Recently, Dormann earned medalist honors in sectional qualifying for the inaugural U.S. Senior Women’s Open, which will be played July 12-15 in Chicago, by shooting 3-under-par 68 on the Ocean Course at the Olympic Club in San Francisco.
Dormann has played in 14 U.S. Women’s Open Championships.
