St. Louis University High has announced that Jim Knoesel will serve in a dual role as the new head varsity golf coach and manager of the Jr. Bill Store, effective immediately. Knoesel brings critical experience in both golf and retail to his leadership role.
"We are thrilled to welcome Jim Knoesel as the next leader of our golf program,” says Chris Muskopf ‘91, athletic director. “Jim is driven by his Catholic faith and his passion for the game of golf. He is excited about the opportunity to share his faith and his passion for the sport with SLUH golfers and – as a full-time staff member – to build relationships with our golfers and the entire SLUH community."
Knoesel has played golf competitively at a high level as a junior, college player, men’s amateur and professional. At the University of Missouri-Columbia, he was captain of the golf team and a three-time Academic All-American. Following college, he earned distinction as a Gateway PGA Golf Professional of the Year and served as an assistant coach and head golf professional at the University of Missouri.
In addition, Knoesel managed the University of Missouri Gustin Golf Course for more than 25 years. Part of his job included managing all aspects of the golf retail operation. As owner of the pro shop for 15 of those years, he led all efforts in ordering, merchandising, accounting, inventory management and marketing. Knoesel was recognized as a two-time Gateway PGA Merchandiser of the Year.
"Jim's experience in retail at the collegiate level is a perfect fit for the mission of the Jr. Bill Store,” says Sean Agniel ‘96, vice president of Advancement. “He has experience and passion for helping young people grow. As the manager of the Jr. Bill Store, Jim will not only grow support for the mission of SLUH through sales, he will mentor student interns and partner with our Ignatian Business Leaders to drive one of the most innovative project-based learning programs in secondary education."
“I am very excited and blessed to be joining SLUH in these joint retail and coaching roles,” says Knoesel. “I look forward to using the experience I have accumulated in my professional life to further the mission of scholarship opportunity and athletic development. Filing these roles in a place where Jesus is the focal point of the institution is very humbling.”