FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno State men's golf head coach Chad Spencer has announced the addition of Ben Leestma as the program's assistant coach.
"We are thrilled that Ben will be joining the 'Dogs as our assistant coach," Spencer said. "He has an unbelievable background that will give our team exactly what it needs to be successful. He's been outstanding as a student-athlete, a mental coach, and a fighter pilot. I can't wait for him to get started."
Leestma is no stranger to Mountain West golf. This marks his second stint at Fresno State, having previously served as a volunteer assistant in 2021. He was a standout golfer at the U.S. Air Force Academy from 1998-2001, competing against Spencer, who played for the Bulldogs during that same era. The former Falcon, Leestma earned All-American honors, was a two-time All-Conference selection, and holds the Academy record with seven individual tournament wins.
In addition to being a certified mental game coach, Leestma serves as a full-time instructor pilot with the California Air National Guard's 144th Fighter Wing, based in Fresno. In this role, he trains and mentors F-15 pilots, demonstrating exceptional leadership and precision. He holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and has logged over 2,500 hours flying the F-15.