University of South Dakota Athletics

Joan Gearhart, a 1966 graduate of The University of South Dakota, has led a distinguished career as one of the top golf instructors in the United States. Originally of Hawarden, IA, she began her coaching career at Audubon High School as girls' golf coach from 1966-68. She also was head women's golf coach at USD during the 1968-69 school year. Gearhart, a member of the Ladies Professional Golf Foundation, conducted seminars across the country every spring. She conducted the National Golf Foundation Workshop at USD, beginning in 1976.