Women's Golf Release courtesy of the Southern Virginia Athletic Communications Department

SVU Names Lea Garner as Women's Golf Coach

Buena Vista, VA - Southern Virginia University Director of Athletics Josh Monsen has announced the addition of Lea Garner as the new head coach of the women's golf team. Garner brings both professional and coaching experience to the university, having served as an assistant coach for BYU's women's golf team from 2020 to 2024.

"We could not be more thrilled to welcome Lea Garner as our new women's head golf coach," said Josh Monsen. "Separating our golf programs allows us to give dedicated focus to our student-athletes, and Coach Garner is the absolute perfect fit to lead our women's team into this exciting new chapter. Her exceptional golf knowledge and leadership energy will elevate this program immediately. We are thrilled to welcome her to Knight Nation."

Her father, Blair Garner, will serve as the head coach of the men's team as she leads the women's program.

Garner was a four-year standout for BYU from 2013-16. She earned All-West Coast Conference First Team honors in all four seasons and helped the Cougars win a conference title in 2016. She also won two tournaments with BYU and recorded 26 top-20 finishes before turning professional in 2017.

Professionally, Garner played two seasons on the Symetra Tour (now the Epson Tour) and another two seasons on the Cactus Tour. Garner won the Utah Women's Open in back-to-back years in 2017 and 2018 and finished second in 2020.

Garner spent part of the 2017-18 season helping her father, Blair, launch the men's and women's golf programs at Southern Virginia University while serving as an assistant coach for both programs.

Most recently, Garner served as Southern Virginia's assistant women's golf coach during the spring of 2026. During the 2026 season, the women's team finished 10th in the country in team GPA and had five Academic All-Americans. Garner also helped coach Sydney Richards to Second Team All-American honors.

Following a historic 2026 campaign, the Knights look to build on their recent success and continue to make an impact on the national level under Garner's leadership.

For continued coverage of Southern Virginia University golf, visit knightathletics.com or follow @knightwgolf on Instagram.