Colorado State University Athletics
Young adds LaBarbera to women's golf staff
7/6/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Former Rams standout Jessa LaBarbera wrapped up her playing career this spring, but she didn’t have to wait long – or go far – for her next golf opportunity. CSU Head Coach Annie Young announced the addition of LaBarbera on Monday, joining Young’s staff as assistant coach.
“I’m really excited about having Jessa join our team in this capacity,” Young said. “She can be a huge asset for recruiting purposes because she can show the school very well and talk about experiences she’s had here. I’ve only been here for two years, so I was looking for somebody who can give us an edge in recruiting.”
LaBarbera, a native of Allen, Texas, began her collegiate career at CSU in 2011. In total, she competed in 32 tournaments, including 21 of 22 over her final two seasons. In 2014-15, she tied a career best with a score of 72 in the Silverado Showdown, and at the Gold Rush Invitational, carded a career-best 16th place (228).
Away from the course, LaBarbera is a three-time Academic All-Mountain West recipient and graduated in May with a degree in human development and family studies.
“It’s been really cool to go straight from school to having a job and getting to work at the same school that I played at for four years,” LaBarbera said. “I think it’ll help me relate with the girls and help them get through anything that I might have gone through. I’m excited to be on the course with them.”
In addition to recruiting, Young expects LaBarbera’s age to be an advantage.
“She’s been through what our players will go through, and she can connect with them in a different way than I can,” Young said. “I think that’s only going to help our team. She’ll have some things to learn along the way, as we all do, but I think she’s going to be a big asset to the team.”