Jessup University formally announced Seth Heppner as the next head coach of the men's and women's golf programs in April of 2024. Heppner comes to Rocklin after calling Tampa, Fla., and IMG Academy home since 2022.
Vice President of Athletics Lance Von Vogt had this to say on the hiring of Heppner: "We went into this national search looking for somebody who embodied who we were as a school. Someone who emphasizes Christ-centered higher education while competing at the highest level of collegiate athletics. We found that in Seth. He has a passion for Christ and a passion for coaching college golf."
Heppner added his thoughts on joining the Warriors: "Having the opportunity to join the family at Jessup is truly a blessing," said Heppner. "An institution that is passionate about loving God and being able to use him as an avenue to connect and help these student-athletes grow is something truly special and unique."
Heppner played collegiate golf at the NCAA Division II level for the University of Minnesota-Crookston, and it was there that he began his collegiate coaching career as an assistant coach. Heppner spent six years on the staff, ending his tenure in Minnesota in 2022 to move to a warmer climate in Florida, where we worked for IMG Academy for two years.
While at Minnesota-Crookston, Heppner got to experience playing for and coaching with his father, Brad Heppner, who has spent over 20 years on the staff in Crookston.
A member of the golf team from 2011-16, Heppner was named a 2016 Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholar-Athlete, the first in the program's history.
Heppner officially took the reins of Jessup's golf program in May of 2024 following the resignation of coach Isaac Sanchez. Heppner took over a program that saw sophomore Jessica Burdick win the 2024 GSAC Championship, earning her an automatic berth in the 2024 NAIA Women's Golf National Championship.
"I can't thank Coach Isaac and the rest of the staff enough for setting the stage and putting the program in a great spot for continued growth and success. I couldn't be more excited about what God has planned here at Jessup, and I truly believe that with his guidance, the sky is the limit for this program."
Heppner also takes over a program that is entering year one as a member of NCAA Division II and the PacWest Conference. Heppner already has Division II experience from his time in Crookston, as they compete in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.
A native of Northern Minnesota, Heppner now calls the warmer climate of Northern California home.
