SEATTLE – Tyler Copp has been named the inaugural women's golf head coach at Seattle Pacific University; Director of Athletics Dan Lepse announced Friday. The program is set to begin competing in the fall of 2024.
Women's golf becomes the SPU's 13th varsity sport. The Falcons join the Great Northwest Athletic Conference in the fall of 2024. They'll compete against familiar foes in Montana State University Billings, Northwest Nazarene, Saint Martin's, Simon Fraser, and Western Washington. Since women's golf was added to the conference in 2010-11, six GNAC teams have achieved top-10 regional finishes.
"We are thrilled to announce Tyler Copp as the inaugural women's golf coach at Seattle Pacific University," Lepse said. "His coaching experience, enthusiasm, and connections to the Northwest golf community will help form a fantastic foundation for this first-year Falcons team.
"First off, I'd like to thank Athletic Director Dan Lepse, University President Dr. Porterfield, and the rest of the hiring committee for believing in my vision for starting this program," Copp said. "I am very blessed to accept the position of head women's golf coach. The ability to work and coach in a place where faith is emphasized made me feel more welcome to the position and a great fit here. I truly believe this was God's calling."
Copp arrives to lead the Falcons after two seasons as the men's and women's golf head coach at Pacific Lutheran University. He coordinated all aspects of both programs, including recruiting visits, practice and competition schedules, weightlifting programs, and more. Copp's programs were known for their team-first and positive culture.
Copp has immersed himself in the Northwest golf scene by gaining experience at The Home Course, Trysting Tree Golf Club, and the two additional jobs he currently holds. Copp works as an instructor at Topgolf-Renton under PGA Professional Darren Black and assists the pro shop at Broadmoor Golf Club under PGA Professional Tim Feenstra.
A competitive golfer himself, Copp enjoys playing in professional tournaments across the Pacific Northwest and is undergoing the Professional Golf Associate Program through Topgolf-Renton.
"Our student-athletes will first recognize the faith in action that is the core of SPU's mission," Copp said. "In addition, developing our skill level on the course and utilizing mental strategies to train for competition will lead to success. I see myself running this ship as a positive team-centered program. By using my background in coaching collegiate basketball and golf, we will focus on sharing experiences as a team in everything we do. This will enhance the student-athlete experience and inspire one another to level up. After a few recruiting classes, I see our program ready to take on the heavyweights in our conference and look to challenge others for a spot at NCAA regionals."
Copp's collegiate coaching experience isn't limited to golf. He's served as an assistant coach for Pacific Lutheran's men's basketball program during the 2017-2018 season.
In addition to coaching with the Lutes, Copp spent four years at the Division I level with Oregon State University. In 2018, Copp joined the Beavers as the Director of Video before being promoted to Director of Player Personnel in 2020. While at OSU, the Beavers won the Pac-12 Conference Tournament and advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight in 2021.
Copp was a four-year starter on the basketball court for Saint Martin's. He was a team captain for three seasons. Copp earned GNAC Honorable Mention in 2017. He finished his career with 1,108 points. Copp averaged 16.3 points per game in his senior campaign, guiding the Saints to their first-ever GNAC Tournament appearance.
Copp graduated from SMU in 2017 with a bachelor's degree in history. He went on to earn a master's degree in interdisciplinary studies from OSU.
"As being a competitor in the GNAC, I've been well aware of the prestige that SPU has," Copp said. "I am confident that with a little time and the right people, this program will join the winning ways of many others in our department. Being in the heart of Seattle we have so much to offer in terms of attracting the best talent from all over."
The SPU Athletic Department plans to build a state-of-the-art indoor golf facility to help the team prepare for the competition. It will be constructed in what's known as the northeast annex of Royal Brougham Pavilion. SPU's goal is to build an indoor practice facility that is one of the best in the conference and the Western region.
The Pacific Northwest provides the opportunity to play golf year-round in various conditions. The Falcons have not found a home course yet. The team expects to play at some of the best courses in the greater Seattle area.
"The student-athletes will receive excellent instruction on the course under his guidance and be supported capably in academic and character development," Lepse said. "We eagerly welcome Coach Copp and the women's golf program as exciting new additions to the SPU athletic department."
"I am eager to get going with building a roster, establishing practice facilities, and building a culture reflective of SPU values," Copp added. "My passionate enthusiasm towards the challenge of starting a new program will help us get our program moving forward from the jump."
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