Glendale, AZ- Arizona Christian Athletic Director Dr. Peter Dryer is excited to announce the hiring of Kristal Parker as Head Coach of the ACU Women's Golf team. Parker has competed professionally around the world since 1988 and has worked as a realtor since 2006.
Coach Bryan Altena, who has guided the ACU golf program since 2013 will continue with the school as Director of Golf and focus on coaching the men's team moving forward. Coach Altena said, "We are excited to be adding Coach Parker as Women's Coach! Her knowledge and competitive experience at the highest levels of golf will be an invaluable asset. She will, no doubt, make an impact on the women's program for years to come!"
Coach Parker commented, "I feel God has called me to enter the coaching world as I have always had a love for kids and particularly enjoyed coaching my own kids' teams in various sports when they were younger. The opportunity presented itself and I feel God calling me to give back as I have led a very blessed life, especially through all of my golf endeavors as I competed all over the world. Golf is a wonderful life-long game."
Dr. Dryer stated, "We are excited to welcome Coach Parker to ACU as the head women's golf coach. Her experience in the game and desire to have a positive influence in the lives of our student-athletes is a great match for ACU athletics."
Coach Parker has extensive golf experience competing professionally on the Futures Tour, Japan LPGA, European Tour, Asian Tour, Australia LPGA, United States LPGA and the Legends Senior Tour. Parker won over thirty national junior golf tournaments before earning a golf scholarship to UCLA. She turned pro in 1987 and brings a wealth of golf experience and tournament hosting to ACU.
Coach Parker brings to ACU a love for her sport and coaching, saying, "I am thrilled to gain the opportunity to become a member of the ACU family. Being able to mentor these young ladies on and off the golf course reflecting God's love will be a thrill for me. It will be a privilege to be able to share my experiences and wisdom to help the girls improve their games and excel in their sport, grow in their faith, and assist in contributing to their success at school as they prepare to enter the world as godly young adults."
In addition to coaching golf, Coach Parker spends time with her two children, Nick and Natalie. Nick is an accomplished golfer and holds the world record for youngest hole in one at 3 years, 37 days. Natalie plays soccer at Chaparral High School.
Welcome to the Firestorm family- Kristal Parker!
