June 28, 2018
San Jose, Calif.-- After conducting a national search, San José State University has promoted former Spartan All-American and San José State Sports Hall of Fame honoree Dana Dormann to head coach of the women's golf program, effective August 1. Marie Tuite, the Spartans' director of athletics, made the announcement.
"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 Tuite.
"Her knowledge of the game, her Spartan pride, her excellent teaching skills and her familiarity with San José 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, who was given a five-year contract, has been the associate head coach and assistant coach for the Spartan program for the past 13-plus seasons. She mentored many players during those years including All-American and conference Player of the Year winners Erica Moston and My Leander. Dormann helped coach the Spartans to berths at the NCAA Division I Women's Golf Championships - 2013 in Athens, Ga., and 2010 in Wilmington, N.C.
In 2011, Dormann was named the Coach of the Year for the Western Section, as selected by the LPGA Teaching and Club Professional membership. She was one of five collegiate coaches selected for the award.
"I am excited for this opportunity to lead the San José State women's golf program. 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 José 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 José State. I am excited to be a part of it. Spartan Up!"
Dormann has been successful in golf from a young age, winning the 1985 U.S. Junior and Junior World championships to becoming a three-time All-American for the Spartans. She played on 1985 through 1988 teams, was a member of the 1987 NCAA Championship team, won four tournaments and was the 1987 Pacific Coast Athletic Association Player of the Year. Dormann was also an assistant coach for the 1989 NCAA Championship team.
Professionally, she played nine years on the LPGA Tour, winning the 1992 Las Vegas LPGA International and the 1993 McCall's LPGA Classic. Dormann is a member of the Golf Coaches Association of America Hall of Fame.
Still playing competitively, Dormann earned medalist honors by shooting a three-under 68 to qualify for the inaugural U.S. Senior Women's Open, July 12-15, in Chicago. Dormann was the only player under par at the qualifier on the par-71 Ocean Course at San Francisco's Olympic Club.
Dormann is no stranger to USGA events as she played in 14 U.S. Women's Open Championships. She was one of five Spartan All-Americans to make the cut at the 2006 U.S. Women's Open.
Dana and her husband, John, are the proud parents of sons William (23) and Jason (17).