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June 27, 2012
Valente Named Bulldogs' Head Women's Golf Coach
The Samford Athletic Department announced Thursday the hiring of Brooke Valente as the Bulldogs' head women's golf coach. She enters the position with an abundant wealth of knowledge in golf instruction and has received a number of accolades throughout her decade of experience in the field.
"We are thrilled to add Brooke to our Samford family of athletics," said Director of Athletics Martin Newton. "She brings an enthusiasm, work ethic and passion for the game of golf that is contagious. I truly believe she is the perfect fit to lead our women's golf team in the highly competitive SoCon."
Valente, a 2003 graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University located in Daytona Beach, Fla., joins the Samford family after most recently working as an Instructor at the prestigious Hank Johnson School of Golf here in Birmingham. She's held the position since 2007 and instructed a roster of 85 students. All of Valente's protégé's have improved their scoring averages, handicaps and course management skills under her instruction.
Valente expects to use her expertise in golf instruction to develop the Samford women's golf program into a team filled with student-athletes who are successful as students, critical thinkers and championship-level competitors.
"I could not be more excited to pay forward the knowledge, skills and relationships that have been invested in me to the women's golf program at Samford University," said Valente. "I am blessed to now be a member of the Samford Family."
A relentless worker, Valente also spent the previous three years as a Senior Recruiter and Committee Member at Greystone Invitational. In her capacity, she was responsible for elevating the rankings and competitive nature of the tournaments. Valente also worked in 2011 and 2012 as a Golf Instructor and Professional Fitter at Inverness Golf and Repair.
During her time at Inverness Golf and Repair, she oversaw a state-of-the-art indoor facility that is equipped with the top-of-the-line Launch Monitor and swing software that is used for analysis and club fitting.
"We are excited about installing a golf simulator that will enhance the practice facilities on campus for the Samford golf teams," Valente said. "This state-of-the-art technology will be used for practice and instruction, as well as the over-all improvement of the teams.
Collegiately, Valente starred at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University where she was named the Team Captain in both 2002 and 2003. She was also named the Lead Eagle MVP in 2003 and earned a pair of Individual Medalist titles throughout her illustrious career.
Valente led Embry Riddle's women's golf team to 15 tournament titles and NAIA conference and regional championship titles in both 2002 and 2003. Her college squad also made national championship appearances in 2002 and 2003.
A three-time all-conference performer and two-time NAIA All-Region member, Valente was also named to the NAIA All-Tournament Team in 2002 and 2003 and was named the Florida Sun Conference Player of the Year in 2003.
Following her successful collegiate career, Valente was named the Lead Instructor and Site Director for LPGA USGA Girls Golf in 2003. During her eight-year tenure, she grew the up-and-coming program to 130 members and over 80 percent of the young ladies went on to compete in junior golf tours and 13 are currently playing collegiate golf.
Additionally, in 2004, Valente was hired as an Instruction Administrator at Greystone Golf and Country Club where she organized the facility's teaching program and was responsible for all facets of the instructional program.
Valente and her husband, Joe, reside in Birmingham and have two sons, Aiden and Hodges.
Brooke Valente Timeline
Years, Pos., Organization
2012-present, Head Coach, Samford University
2007-12, Instructor, Hank Johnson School of Golf, Birmingham, Ala.
2004-07, Instruction Administrator, Greystone Golf and Country Club
2003-10, Lead Instructor and Site Director, LPGA USGA Girls Golf, Birmingham, Ala.
1999-2003, Played Collegiate Golf at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
