NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Jonathan Howard has been named the Head Coach for women's golf at Christopher Newport following an announcement made by Director of Athletics Kyle McMullin on Thursday morning. Howard has worked extensively with both the men's and women's programs for five years and will now be tasked with guiding the women's team as the head coach, effective immediately.
 
"This is a dream come true," said Howard. "The chance to lead a strong program that is still in its early stages at my alma mater is surreal. I am so thankful that Chancellor Paul Trible, Interim President Adelia Thompson and Director of Athletics Kyle McMullin have given me this opportunity. The potential for growth in this program is tremendous."
 
While serving as an assistant coach for the last five years, Howard took over primary responsibility for the women's program and has guided the Captains to unprecedented success. Helping shape CNU Women's Golf since its inaugural season in 2017-18, he has assisted in the transformation of a fledgling program into a squad that has been ranked in the top-25 nationally while qualifying individuals for each of the last three NCAA Division III National Championship events.
 
Along with coaching three national qualifiers, Howard has helped his student-athletes earn two All-American awards, three All-Region citations, and 11 All-State honors while winning back-to-back team titles at the Capital Athletic Conference Championships in 2018 and 2019.
 
"While one of our younger programs, women's golf is competing among the best in the country and our students are excelling thanks in large part to Jonathan's leadership and guidance in his previous role," said McMullin. "As a respected colleague in the department and a trusted leader for our students, the future of women's golf at Christopher Newport is exciting with Jonathan as the Head Women's Golf Coach."
 
During the 2021-22 campaign, Howard continued to set a new standard of success for CNU Women's Golf by guiding two individuals to NCAA national qualifying finishes. Senior Shreya Ganta became the first Captain to qualify more than once, and junior Lauren Sims capped a record-breaking season by becoming the third qualifier in the five-year history of CNU Women's Golf.
 
Before returning to his alma mater, Howard was the head coach of the golf program at Lynchburg College for two years. He also worked as the Sports Information Director for the Hornets in 2016-17, overseeing all publicity efforts for the athletic department during his tenure.
 
Prior to joining the coaching ranks, Howard pieced together a standout career as a golfer at Christopher Newport from 2011-14. During his time on the links, he helped lead the Captains to a pair of league crowns while qualifying for the NCAA Championships in 2011 and 2012.
 
On an individual level, Howard finished his playing career with a 76.47 stroke average, which ranked seventh in school history at the time of his graduation. Capping off his tenure with an award-winning senior campaign, he became just the second Captain to win an individual league title after claiming the 2014 Capital Athletic Conference Championship. For his efforts, he secured PING All-Region accolades and was named a first-team All-State and All-Conference performer.
 
The CNU alum graduated in December of 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in History. He and his wife reside in Williamsburg, Va. with their dog, Ryder.