Maren Crowley leading improved Hofstra women's program straight out of college

Courtesy Hofstra Athletic Communications

Three years ago when Maren Crowley was competing as a senior for the Hofstra women’s golf team the finance major had no vision that one day she would be coaching the sport she loves on the collegiate level. However soon after graduating Hofstra in May 2008 the unique opportunity of Crowley coaching her alma mater presented itself after the retirement of head coach Bob Schwalb, and she is sure glad of the decision to re-shift career paths.

Despite being fresh out of college Crowley was approached for the Hofstra women’s golf head coaching position because of her experience working for the Metropolitan PGA as an assistant manager on the Long Island Junior Golf Tour since 2004. “My name just got thrown in the mix after my coach left and they approached me about it and I jumped all over it because it was a great opportunity,” said Crowley, a Savyille High School graduate who posted four top-20 finishes during her four-year Hofstra golf career.

Taking over a Hofstra women’s golf program in her early 20’s and coaching players she was teammates with just a year earlier certainly presented its challenges for Crowley. However she has quickly adjusted to her new role and in her short stint as head coach has helped make Hofstra competitive in the challenging Colonial Athletic Association, which features many schools that have the advantage of warm-weather climates. She has also worked hard to raise money and market the Hofstra women’s golf program, including starting a facebook fan page.

“Every college sports coach has a lot on his or her plate and for someone like Maren - fresh out of college to take us on and do a wonderful job is a true testament to her work ethic and devotion to Hofstra athletics,” said Pride senior golfer Morgan Heyrman, who was teammates with Crowley as a freshman. “Our program has evolved and improved because of what she has done to ensure our teams success.”

In addition to the improved performance of her golfers, Crowley is also proud of the hard work they display off the course, including maintaining high grade point averages while also participating in many extra-curricular activities. She said what makes their academic achievements even more remarkable is the fact that they are often on road trips for nearly an entire week and playing 36 holes for almost an entire day during tournaments.

“I’m very proud of my girls for not only growing as a team athletically but they have always maintained a very, very strong academic schedule and their GPAs are through the roof,” said Crowley, whose team closes the fall season Oct. 26 at the Hofstra Invitational in Wading River. “I am very proud of them in that regard that they are able to balance both the athletic side and the academic and I think it says a lot about them as a team.”