Oskaloosa--William Penn University Athletics Director Greg Hafner has announced the hiring of Connie Groet as head women’s golf coach.

Groet, a graduate of Penn in 1990 with a degree in American History and minors in Sociology and coaching, was a member of the women’s golf team from 1985-1988. She was also a member of the softball team all four years of college as well as participating in Fellowship for Christian Athletes and the Lettermen’s Club.

After college, Groet was the head softball coach (1990-1993) and volleyball coach (1991) at Twin Cedars HS. She also served as assistant coach for the Penn softball team in 1990. Groet was a substitute teacher in the area from 1990-1993 as well.

Since then, the native of Oskaloosa has competed in numerous local tournaments over the years.

Groet currently serves as a domestic engineer, raising her four children. She also operates a day care out of her home.

Groet resides in Oskaloosa with her husband Dave and their four daughters.

She will begin her responsibilities immediately, beginning with recruiting a full team for the 2008-2009 year.

Penn is reintroducing the women’s program after a seven-year hiatus. The sport was last sponsored in 2000-2001, but was not continued when the institution transitioned from NCAA Division III to NAIA the following year.

Like the men, the women will compete at Edmundson Golf Course in Oskaloosa as well as using the practice facilities at Harvest Point Golf Course. Oskaloosa Golf, formerly known as Elmhurst Country Club, will also be utilized throughout the year.

The sport becomes the 16th intercollegiate varsity team at William Penn, joining baseball, competitive dance, football, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s golf, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s track, softball, volleyball, and wrestling.

The addition of the sport by Penn makes it that all nine Midwest Classic Conference schools will now be able to compete in women’s golf. The NAIA currently sponsors 125 women’s golf programs with the national championship contested in May.