“I wanted to try coaching because it’s a new phase of my own life and golf career,” said Alcott. “To mentor young girls to be the best they can be and to help them play golf and learn rewarding life skills is a win-win opportunity.”

Having an individual with Alcott’s credentials coaching at the high school level is a rare occurrence, yet it is consistent with Harvard-Westlake’s reputation for hiring the best and brightest teachers available.

“It is great to have someone of her stature join our coaching staff,” said Harvard-Westlake President Thomas Hudnut. “She’s known, liked and respected by everyone she’s ever played with or against and will be both an excellent teacher and positive role model for our players. I couldn’t be more pleased.”

Alcott rates as one of the best female golfers of all-time. Since turning pro in 1975 – when she won the Rookie of the Year Award – Alcott has accumulated 29 LPGA Tour victories, including five major titles. She was the Golf Magazine Player of the Year in 1980 and the California Golf Writers Association Female Golfer of the Year in 1987. She was inducted into the LPGA and World Golf Halls of Fame in 1999.

“I look forward to sharing with the girls my experiences on the LPGA Tour, traveling the world, dealing with the highs and lows that come your way just by playing this sport and living life,” said Alcott.

Linda Giaciolli will partner with Alcott at Harvard-Westlake on all aspects of the program. Giaciolli was an assistant coach for the women’s golf team at UCLA in the 1980s and is currently the Founding CEO of MTT MediaWorks – a Santa Monica based golf-centric, broadband company.

“I’ve loved the game of golf since I first started playing it and I look forward to working with Amy and the girls at Harvard-Westlake,” said Giaciolli. “The mentoring process will be equally enjoyable as the opportunity to engender the game to young girls and Amy and I are confident the experience will be a rewarding one for everyone.”

Together, Alcott and Giaciolli take over a program that returns eight players.

“Girls’ golf at Harvard-Westlake has taken a giant step forward,” said Head of Athletics Audrius Barzdukas. “Amy and Linda bring energy, wisdom and a commitment to mentoring young women in the games of golf and life.”

Alcott will bring the same passion and energy to coaching that made her a golf icon.

“Working with the Harvard-Westlake Girls’ Golf Team is a wonderful opportunity in my life and I am looking forward to it with great zeal,” said Alcott.

If you have any questions, contact Terry Barnum at (818) 487-6620 or tbarnum@hw.com