Hicks named Wolf Pack Head Men's and Women's Golf Coach

NEW ORLEANS – A familiar face to Loyola New Orleans golf is now in charge of the men's and women's programs, as Assistant Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Brett Simpson announced on Wednesday that Ryan Hicks will serve as head coach. 
 

"Ryan's return to Loyola is a full-circle moment for our golf programs," said Brett Simpson, assistant vice president for athletics. "He was a successful student-athlete who demonstrated excellence during his career, and he brings the competitive drive needed to bring us into this new era of NCAA Division II. Combined with his extensive teaching experience and commitment to player development, Ryan is an outstanding fit to lead our men's and women's teams. We are excited to welcome him back to the Pack."
 

A 2019 Loyola graduate and former Wolf Pack student-athlete, Hicks returns to his alma mater after building extensive experience in golf instruction and operations at some of the region's premier facilities.
 

"I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to coach the men's and women's golf teams at Loyola," Hicks said. "As a former player, I'm aware of what's required to ensure each team reaches their full potential. I'm excited to familiarize myself with the players on both teams and to lay the foundation of a winning culture for years to come. I think both teams have the potential to be highly competitive, and I can't wait to get on the course with the players and get to work."
 

Hicks has served as a Golf Instructor at Golftec in Metairie since January 2023, where he has provided more than 3,000 hours of private golf instruction. During his time with Golftec, Hicks has worked with golfers of all skill levels, including beginners, competitive junior and high school players, and collegiate golfers. 
 

Prior to joining Golftec, Hicks spent 18 months as an Assistant Golf Professional at TPC Louisiana from July 2021 through January 2023. In that role, he oversaw daily golf operations for members, guests, corporate partners, and PGA Tour players while also managing outside operations staff. He also helped oversee tournament operations for corporate outings, junior tournaments, state amateur tournaments, and the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.
 

Hicks began his professional career at Porter Valley Country Club in Los Angeles, serving as an Assistant Golf Professional from January through July 2021. He worked with the club's junior golf program and taught summer camps, after-school programs, private lessons, and group clinics.
 

A former Loyola men's golfer, Hicks ranks fourth all-time in program history for Top 10 finishes, and he earned SSAC All-Conference honors in 2019. He was also named SSAC Player of the Week after a second-place performance where he shot a six-under (138) 36-hole score for the program's third-best to-par score. 
 

Hicks graduated from Loyola in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in Music Business and a minor in Mass Communication.
 

About Loyola University New Orleans

Loyola University New Orleans is a Jesuit, Catholic university located in the heart of New Orleans. Grounded in a tradition of academic excellence and a commitment to educating the whole person, Loyola prepares students to lead lives of purpose, service, and impact. Through a rigorous liberal arts foundation and a wide range of professional programs, Loyola equips graduates to think critically, act ethically, and contribute meaningfully to a global society.
 

The Wolf Pack Athletics sponsors 22 intercollegiate programs competing in the NAIA for one final year before transitioning to the NCAA Division II in the fall of 2027. Guided by the university's Jesuit mission, Wolf Pack student-athletes strive for excellence in competition, the classroom, and service to the community while pursuing a transformative educational experience.
 

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