Strong Links
Jana Shipley. Photo by John Holliger.
Ohio Wesleyan University welcomes Jana Shipley as the first coach of the newly added women’s golf team, Ohio Wesleyan’s 23rd varsity sport.
Shipley, a graduate of The Ohio State University, first came to Ohio Wesleyan as head coach of the women’s track and field team. She coached from 1980 to 1985 and led the Bishops to their first North Coast Athletic Conference indoor track and field championship in 1985. Because of her leadership, she was inducted into Ohio Wesleyan Hall of Fame in 1996.
“[Ohio Wesleyan is a] great school and I had wonderful experiences from that period of my life that I still cherish,” Shipley says. “I had the opportunity to work with some very talented athletes who were all very amazing women.”
Surprisingly, Shipley did not pick up the game of golf until she started coaching at OWU. She was inspired by the athletic department staff who helped her spark her passion for golf.
“I left OWU after six years to get into the golf business,” Shipley says. “Two short years later, I was the head women’s golf coach at The Ohio State University.”
Shipley returned to her alma mater in 1987 and left in 1991 leading the Division I women’s golf team to nine championships, two NCAA tournament appearances, and a Big 10 championship. In addition, she has worked as a professional golfer at The Ohio State University Golf Courses, The Country Club at Muirfield Village, and The Meadows Resort in Sarasota, Florida, establishing her dominance in the golf world.
“I don’t expect to take it any less serious just because [Ohio Wesleyan is] Division III,” Shipley says.
Shipley defines success as having at least five determined women join the team who learn to become leaders and team players as the program develops.
“Success will depend on enthusiasm, dedication, determination and hopefully a little athletic ability,” Shipley says. “If I can motivate them enough to want to play well, we will find success.”
Read the Jana Shipley athletics news release for more information.