Long Beach State University Athletics
Getting to know Ryan Ressa
7/5/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
July 5, 2011
Can you detail your coaching path to Long Beach State?
I got into coaching right after I graduated at Washington State. I had spent time with a few of the collegiate games great coaches while I was playing and I was inspired to get into college coaching, not to mention I rode the pine a lot when I played high school basketball. So I was forced to start looking at things from a coaches perspective. Following a short stint at Washington State as a volunteer, I landed a job working at the University of San Diego. It was a great time to be in San Diego, the program was really starting to gain momentum. We made it to the NCAA regionals for the first time in school history and became very competitive. Next, I decided to move across the country to Durham, N.C. to join forces with my longtime friend OD Vincent at Duke. I spent two years at Duke and then decided to move back west landing at UCLA. I spent one year as the assistant coach at UCLA before I landed the Long Beach State head coaching position.
Beyond winning a championship, what are your goals for the upcoming season?
My goals are to get better every day. I want to provide my team an opportunity to grow and be successful both on the course and in the classroom. Playing collegiate golf is one of the most exciting fun times of a golfers life, I make sure we all appreciate the opportunity we have been given here at Long Beach State.
Who is an exciting new player we will see on you team next season?
We have a lot of new faces joining the 49ers next season and I am excited about all of them. Keep an eye out for JJ Holen from Valencia and Xander Schauffele from San Diego.
What is your recruiting philosophy?
Recruiting is the lifeblood of any great program. I am looking for guys who fit our programs makeup. I look for great putters, confidence, level headed players and young men who know how to win. Most of those intangibles you can't teach.
How important are the summer months to the development of your team?
Summer is an extremely important time for the players to get out and compete. Being a student-athlete is tough. There are a lot of demands on these young men. The summer is their time to get out and compete and work hard every day on their game and fitness.
If someone asked you for a recommendation where to eat in the Long Beach area, where would you send them and what would you tell them to order?
I am a sucker for Mexican food. There is an awesome place on campus called Great Mex. Everything I have had is solid, but you can't go wrong with the Cali burrito and potato taco's. Unreal!
Outside of coaching and sports, what are your hobbies?
I love music, so I would have to say concert going is on the top of my list. Huge Pearl Jam and DMB fan. I really enjoy traveling, cooking and running.
If you had a weekend off during the season and you weren't allowed to work, what would you do with the free time?
Weekends off? I would be watching golf.
What vacation spot has been your favorite to visit?
Haven't traveled enough outside of the U.S., but my favorite spots are Chicago, Boston and Charleston, S.C. Great towns!
Dodgers or Angels, and why? Lakers or Clippers, and why?
I am a horrible sports fan. I mean I love all sports but I really don't dislike any teams other than the Boston Red Sox. If I had to pick I would say Dodgers and Clips because I love Mattingly and the Clips will always be the underdogs in L.A.
