Hoek returns to DWU as next golf coach

MITCHELL, S.D. – After leading the Dakota Wesleyan University men's golf team to a Great Plains Athletic Conference Championship in 2008, De Smet, S.D., native Tom Hoek is returning to DWU as the next men's and women's golf coach, it was announced by Athletic Director Jon Hart on Monday.

 As a Tiger, Hoek served as the captain of the golf team from 2006-2008. He was named First Team All-GPAC in 2007 and 2008, while being a finalist for the 2008 DWU/KMIT Athlete of the Year. In 2008, Hoek was a PING/GCAA Midwest All-Region player.

 "We couldn't be more excited to add a product of DWU to our staff," Hart said. "Tom will be a perfect fit to our department and our distinguished golf program. We had an outstanding candidate pool, but Tom really emerged in the interview process amongst the search committee and our student-athletes. Tom is so well respected as a coach and golf mentor in the state and region. He will be extremely relatable to recruits and families."

 Hoek brings a wide range of coaching experience to Mitchell after coaching 15 high school state qualifiers and 22 All-Conference players in golf. Off the golf course, Hoek was a prominent coaching figure in the state of South Dakota, leading the De Smet boys' basketball team to two regular season conference championships in 2015 and 2016. He also guided the team to the 2016 South Dakota Class 'B' State Boys' Basketball tournament, finishing in seventh place. Hoek was named the 2016 South Dakota High School Coaches Association Region Coach of the Year.

 Prior to coaching at De Smet, Hoek was the Director of Golf Instruction at Lakeview Golf Course in Mitchell. In 2009, he began his teaching and coaching experience within the Ethan School District. After joining De Smet in 2011, Hoek served as the football coach, boys basketball coach, assistant athletic director and boys and girls golf coach.

 When school was not in session, Hoek was an influential part in developing youth programs throughout the region. He founded the De Smet Basketball Skills Academy and was the De Smet High School Acceleration Program Director. Hoek also worked as a DWU Winter Golf Clinician and was the Lakeview Junior Golf Clinic Director.

 "I would like to start by thanking Mr. Jon Hart, Mr. Curt Hart and Mrs. Amy Novak for this wonderful opportunity and entrusting me to lead the golf program at DWU," Hoek said. "My family and I couldn't be more excited about joining the Tiger family. Being a former Tiger and DWU alumnus, it feels great to get back to Mitchell and give back to a program and university that has provided me with many life lessons and life-long memories."

 Hoek will try and guide both programs back to conference contenders in the GPAC. Currently for the men, there are 13 golfers that will hit the greens in the fall, including seven women golfers.

 "It's an exciting time to become a Tiger and I look forward to the challenge ahead."