Since the program was founded in 2007, Jim Socha has been named head of the Men’s Golf team at Viterbo University. Throughout his tenure at the school, Socha has had the opportunity to not only improve his players’ golf game, but also help them prepare for the next stages of life.
On the golf course, Coach Socha has led the V-Hawks to much success. In his 18 seasons with the program, the V-Hawks have won 21 team titles as well as a tally of 23 second place finishes and 22 third place finishes. During those years Socha, has also had 26 all conference performers, one NAIA All-American, and one Midwest Collegiate Conference (MCC) Individual champion.
While Coach Socha wants to see success on the golf course, he is very adamant about his athlete’s success in the classroom. Since golf requires missing a lot of classes, Socha emphasizes the importance of staying caught up on schoolwork and keeping good grades. This dedication to academics has also led 18 of his players to be named as NAIA scholar athletes, an award that prioritizes academics over performance in your sport.
In addition to his years as the men’s head golf coach, Socha became the head men’s and women’s bowling coach in 2009. Despite his busy schedule, Coach Socha was able to prioritize his athletes and continue to help them find success. This led the bowling team to win four straight GLBC (Greater Lakes Bowling Conference) championships. This stellar performance led Socha to be named the 2011-12 Coach of the Year in that conference. Coach Socha also took over as head women’s golf coach two years ago. During his short tenure, he has led the team to multiple top five finishes including a third-place finish at this year’s CCAC Championship.
Coach Socha is extremely thankful for the opportunity to have done this job for many years. When asked what it has meant to be the head golf coach he responded, “It has meant the world. I’ve been lucky enough to see young people come in as 18-year-olds and grow to 22-year-olds. Being able to help them to the next steps and phases of their lives is very rewarding in many ways.”
As a coach, Coach Socha believes in investing in his athletes as people, not just players, their successes and failures off the court are important to him, so he can see the growth from it. Coach Socha also loves the connections he can form with people he meets as head golf coach. When asked what things he will miss most, he responded, “I’m going to miss the people I get to meet. Whether it is my players, opposing coaches, and even my assistant coach Mike Bristodeau. I’ve formed great connections with all of them.”
Despite retiring, Coach Socha will still be around the game he loves as the commissioner for the Three-Rivers Golf Association. He will leave a long-lasting impression on the Viterbo men’s and women’s golf programs for years to come.
