Paul Brunner was appointed as head coach of the North Central University women's golf program in April of 2020. Looking forward to the opportunity to coach the women's golf team, Brunner noted: "I am thankful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity. This is an exciting time at NCU and I look forward to helping lead these student-athletes achieve great things on and off the golf course.”
Brunner is no stranger to NCU, as he is an alumnus of the university and has served as the head women's basketball coach since the 2015-16 season. In his basketball role, Brunner transformed the six-win team into a program that has won 45 games over the past three years, highlighted by a conference championship in 2020-21.
The 2020-21 fall golf season was halted due to COVID, yet the Rams were still able to compete in a shortened spring season. NCU competed in three events this spring, including the three-day UMAC Championships at Pebble Creek Golf Course in Becker, MN. The student-athlete experience has also been enhanced recently with the addition of a new on-campus practice facility, which includes a Flightscope Mevo+ simulator.
Within days of being hired in the fall, Coach Brunner announced the addition of Coach Ben Thorson as an assistant coach with the women’s golf program. Thorson graduated from North Central in 2012 as one of the most decorated golfers in NCU history. His accomplishments as a Ram include: three-time team UMAC Champion, 2010 First Team All-UMAC, first golfer to record an under-par round in school history, and the first athlete ever to compete at the NCAA National Championship in any sport from NCU.
Coach Brunner is extremely optimistic about the future of NCU women’s golf as the program has already seen significant increases in both roster size and competitiveness within the last year. The Rams are set to open their 2021-22 fall campaign in mid-August when they participate in the UMAC Preview event.
Brunner and wife Abby live in Lakeville with their son Miles.
