WEST LIBERTY, WV – West Liberty University has a new face leading its men’s golf program: Noah Seivertson, a lifelong golfer whose passion for the sport began in childhood and has grown into a calling to coach the next generation of athletes.

Seivertson’s connection to the game started early, thanks to his family.

“I started golfing at a really young age, but I didn’t really start taking it seriously and competing until my junior year of high school,” Seivertson says, “My pap was the one who really got me into the sport.”

While many young golfers dream of pursuing competitive play, Seivertson knew his heart was elsewhere.

“I just have always wanted to coach, and have an impact on others’ lives,” he explains, “Competitive play is also a totally different beast when it comes to golf. It truly is a grind, and that wasn’t something I wanted to do.”

Though he’s helped players one-on-one in the past, this marks Seivertson’s first opportunity to coach a full team. It’s a challenge he’s embracing.

“This is honestly the first time I have truly coached a team,” he admits, “I’ve always been able to help people one on one with certain things regarding the sport, but never a full team.”

At the core of Seivertson’s approach is positivity.
“My goal is to build the guys on the team up rather than bringing them down,” he says, “Golfers especially play better when they are in a positive state of mind, so trying to keep them there is my main goal.”

For him, golf is as much about mental toughness as it is about technique.

“I think the most important skill is to be mentally tough,” he says, “Eliminating outbursts because of bad shots, not getting too high or low regardless of the outcome, and being able to be laser focused the entire time.”

Seivertson values a mix of technical instruction and mental preparation. He frequently uses swing videos to identify problem areas and swears by one drill in particular.

“I’ve always liked putting on a mirror anytime I struggle,” he shared. “I feel like it reassures your putting stroke, and helps you regain confidence.”

He also emphasizes fitness in the team’s routine.

“We have lifting once a week while we are in season, and probably more than that out of season,” he said.

When it comes to evaluating players, Seivertson looks beyond raw talent.

“I look for their attitude,” he said. “Do they want to be there? Do they want to compete? Do they want to give everything they have for their success?”

Progress, he believes, is measured in both mindset and results.

“Honestly, it’s looking at the different scores, and if they are getting better or worse over time,” he explained.

He recalls one example close to home:
“One of my good buddies growing up was never big into golf. Him and I started going and playing all the time, going to the range, and just working on different stuff. Him and I both won the local amateur tournament this summer called the Kalkreuth.”

Stepping into this new role, Seivertson is energized by the potential of his players.

“What excites me most about this new coaching role is getting to watch the guys grow as golfers and young men,” he says.

His short-term goal is straightforward: “Win the conference and make it to the regional this year.” Long term, though, he’s setting the bar even higher: “I want to take a team to the national championship.”

Recruiting will also play a bigger role in his future with the Hilltoppers.

“I didn’t recruit any of the guys currently on the team, so that will be a big change,” he says.

Away from coaching, Seivertson keeps his love of the game alive. His favorite club is his putter—“I feel like that is the best part of my game”—and his favorite course he’s played is Tot Hill Farm in North Carolina. If given the chance, he’d love to tee it up with Rickie Fowler, his longtime golf idol.

And when asked the best piece of advice he’s ever received, his answer sums up the resilience he hopes to instill in his team:
“A bad shot just gives you the opportunity to hit a great shot.”