With prior coaching experience at Concordia University of Ann Arbor, Michigan Dalton Stiegler has made the move to New Orleans to take on his new role as head coach of both the women’s and men’s golf programs.
Following the success of his earlier golf programs, Stiegler took on this role with passion and enthusiasm for the sport. Stiegler, as well as the team, maintain this enthusiasm despite a lower ranking in the Southern States Athletic Conference’s preseason poll.
“We have a young team, so they haven’t seen our talent yet and I’m definitely excited for when we can get started,” Stiegler said.
With a relatively younger men’s team, and limited experience, Stiegler conveys their eagerness to improve and grow as a team.
As for the women’s team with more experienced players, Stiegler is optimistic that the stronger seniors on the team are, “… going to help bring up the younger freshmen ladies,” Stiegler said.
Stiegler’s approach to propel the team this season is founded on the basis of becoming a tight-knit support system for the team by being more than a coach.
“I don’t want it to feel like I’m just a coach and all we can talk about is golf because there are other things that can affect your golf game outside of the course,” Stiegler said.
Inspired by his coach during his time at Concordia, he developed a philosophy of support. Stiegler has shown he is willing to be present for his team and help in any way they may need it. Whether it is through helping upload a Canvas assignment, talking about a bad day, or spending twelve hours on the golf course, Stiegler has made it clear that he is there for his team.
More than anything he wants his team to succeed in their college careers and have fun while doing it.
“Say I bring in five recruits. I want to see all five of them walk and get that degree. That’s something I think is better than us winning every tournament,” Stiegler said., “Making these four years worth it…” is another one of his long-term goals for each athlete.
Both in athletics and in academics Stiegler strives for the growth of the team through his presence and engagement with them.
More specifically, due to the relatively smaller student body at Loyola, Stiegler has found “the attention to detail is a lot better.”
With a smaller school and more support from faculty and staff Stiegler thinks “you can make a better connection with recruits and athletes because everyone’s so close.”
This closeness doesn’t only apply to the team but also to the staff, who have made the move easier for Stiegler.
“I’m coming from one thousand plus miles away but they made it feel like home, which sold me,” Stiegler said.
With the eagerness of the golf team and the support of his new colleagues, Stiegler is ready to take the upcoming season by storm with the first women’s event kicking off the fall season on Sept. 15. Stiegler’s genuine love for the game and for the team plays into every aspect of his coaching and is certainly going to push the team forward on and off the court.
“I don’t do this just because, I do it because it’s what I love to do.” Stiegler said.
