Catana Starks: First female coach of men’s D1 golf team

Catana Starks, the first female coach of a men’s D1 golf team, knew that there was only one chance to be the first at something. Growing up in segregated Alabama, her mother taught her to never give up on her pursuits, whatever it was to which she set her mind. Catana would soon learn that she had a special knack for sports. Having severe asthma diagnosed at 3 years old did not stop Catana from playing every sport that interested her. She went on to attain a Masters in Health and Physical Education from Tennessee State University before moving on to Saginaw, Michigan to coach sports. TSU recruited her to return and become the men’s swimming and diving coach. The school shifted gears and requested that Catana coach men’s golf, instead of swimming. What seemed like an obstacle – the first female coach of a man’s D1 golf team – quickly became a challenge that she embraced. Catana formed a team from scratch, recruiting people from many places. Learn about how Catana Starks’s dedication to winning led her to not only become an icon to the sport, but to successfully coach players who went on to become leaders in their chosen professions.