Jess Stimack began as Menlo Director of Men's and Women's Golf in June 2025.
Stimack brings an impressive blend of NCAA Division II playing and coaching experience, a strong legacy of player development, and deep ties to the Northern California golf community.
The 2025-26 season was marked by a runner-up finish at the Pacific West Conference Tournament for Men's Golf and a runner-up individual finish at the PacWest Tournament for Women's Golf. Highlights on the men's side included a team victory at the RCA Electric Spring Invitational, a PacWest Golfer of the Week, and two All-PacWest Team selections. For the women, Kim Penzold delivered a breakout first collegiate season with PacWest Golfer of the Week honors following her two individual tournament victories (RCA Electric Spring Invitational, The Big Freeze), second-place finish at the PacWest Tournament, and an All-PacWest Team selection alongside her PacWest Freshman of the Year honor. Additionally, two members of Menlo Men’s Golf were Collegiate Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team including Jack Stark who was also the PacWest Men’s Golf Scholar-Athlete of the Year, three Oaks were named WGCA All-American Scholars, four Oaks earned the distinction of GCAA Cobalt Golf All-America Scholars, and the men’s team secured the GCAA PLATFORM Golf Team Academic Award.
"Jess is a proven leader with a passion for mentorship and a competitive edge grounded in student-athlete development," said Menlo College Vice President for Athletics Keith Spataro. "His experience as a standout Division II athlete and a successful coach at that level makes him instantly credible. Jess knows what excellence looks like on and off the course, and he's earned the respect of players, coaches, and golf professionals across Northern California."
Stimack joined Menlo after serving as the Assistant Men's and Women's Golf Coach at Sonoma State University, where he helped develop a nationally competitive program. As a former NCAA Championship-level golfer at Chico State, Stimack played on teams that earned three top-10 national finishes, including a runner-up performance in 2004. He also led Montgomery High School to consistent league championships, and cultivated a culture of academic excellence and community engagement.
"I'm honored and excited to join the Menlo College family," said Stimack. "As someone who has lived and coached in Northern California my entire career, I know the caliber of talent in this region and what it takes to build a winning, student-centered program. Menlo's commitment to academic and athletic excellence aligns perfectly with my values, and I look forward to working with our student-athletes."
"Jess's recruiting connections, coaching philosophy, and competitive pedigree make him the right leader to take our golf programs to the next level," added Spataro. "He understands the Menlo mission, and he's ready to hit the ground running."
Stimack also brings nearly two decades of professional golf experience, including a long-standing role at Bennett Valley Golf Course, where he has mentored players of all levels and organized youth tournaments. His leadership philosophy emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and individual growth - on and off the course.
