Coach's Corner: Christi Cano

From the sun-drenched courses of San Antonio, Texas, to the storied fairways of the LPGA Tour, Coach Christi Cano’s journey through the world of golf has been anything but conventional. Now, as the Head Men’s and Women’s Golf Coach and Assistant Athletic Director at Texas A&M-San Antonio, Cano is embarking on a new chapter—building a championship-caliber program from the ground up.

A Golfing Prodigy Turned Collegiate Coach

Christi Cano’s connection to golf started early. A native of San Antonio, she began playing at the age of three, eventually honing her skills to earn a full athletic scholarship to Oklahoma State University. There, she quickly made her mark, becoming an All-American in 2001 and helping her team capture three Big XII Championships.

Cano’s collegiate success served as a launching pad for her professional career. After graduating with a degree in marketing, she played on the Duramed Futures Tour and LPGA Tour, competing at the highest level and qualifying for three U.S. Women’s Opens. In 2013, she achieved a major milestone, winning the Texas Women’s Open—a testament to her resilience and competitive spirit.

However, as her playing career wound down, Cano found herself at a crossroads. She transitioned into the business side of golf, managing facilities and working in golf retail, but something was missing. “I realized that wasn’t for me,” Cano shared. “I was more passionate about working with kids and teaching the game.”

From Teaching to Coaching: A Unique Path to Leadership

Cano’s passion for teaching gradually evolved into a love for coaching. Her first foray into collegiate coaching came in 2016 as an assistant coach at the University of Houston-Victoria. Just a few years later, she became the head coach for both the men’s and women’s teams at the same university, leading her teams to multiple victories and accolades. Under her leadership, her teams captured six individual team titles and saw several players earn All-Conference Academic and Champions of Character awards.

Now, as the head coach at Texas A&M-San Antonio, Cano has the unique responsibility of starting a golf program from scratch. Athletics at the university officially launched in 2020, with men’s golf being one of the founding sports. Reflecting on the challenge, Cano said, “It’s exciting to build something new and mold it to what will make us successful. We’ve had to establish policies, relationships, and trust because the university has never had athletics before.”

A Commitment to Excellence and Growth

For Coach Cano, the transition from player to coach has been about more than just teaching technique; it’s been about shaping student-athletes as individuals. She credits much of her coaching philosophy to the lessons she learned as a player at Oklahoma State and on the professional tour. “The biggest thing I’ve seen from successful players is their work ethic,” Cano explained. “The players who worked the hardest were the ones who rose to the highest levels.”

Work ethic is something she prioritizes in her current role, both in her players and in the program she’s building. “Coachability is huge,” she said. “I’d rather have a player who’s coachable and willing to learn than someone with raw talent who doesn’t want to grow. Being a good teammate and staying on top of academics is just as important as what they do on the course.”

Over the past few years, Cano has seen the talent level of her recruits rise dramatically. “In our first year, we had players shooting in the mid-80s to low 90s. Now, our top five players are shooting between 72 and 75,” she said. While the team has yet to win a tournament, Cano is confident in their trajectory. “Winning a golf tournament and competing for a conference championship are definitely on our radar for the near future.”

Building a Culture of Success

Starting a program from scratch comes with its share of challenges, but it also presents a unique opportunity to establish a lasting culture. Cano has taken a hands-on approach to ensure that her players feel supported both on and off the course. “Golf is an individual sport, but when you're part of a team, it’s important to build camaraderie. I make sure that we do things outside of golf, whether it’s playing basketball, bowling, or just spending time together. That team bond is crucial.”

Cano also emphasizes the importance of balance between academics and athletics. “The players have to stay eligible and motivated in the classroom,” she said. “I look for recruits who are not only strong athletes but also good students, especially since we have a program that offers free tuition for students in the top 10% of their class. It’s a huge plus if a player is excelling academically.”

Recruiting for the Future

As the program grows, so does Cano’s recruiting strategy. Without an assistant coach to help manage the workload, she relies on a meticulous system of organization to juggle recruiting alongside her other responsibilities. “I keep my email folders organized by class year—2026, 2027, 2028,” she said. “It’s important to stay on top of communication and make sure no potential recruits fall through the cracks.”

For Cano, finding the right players goes beyond raw talent. She looks for individuals who fit her team’s culture and values. “Self-motivation is key,” she said. “I’m looking for players who know how to practice and are committed to improving their game. Personality matters too—players need to mesh well with the team because that dynamic is so important.”

A Coach’s Advice

For young athletes hoping to play golf at the next level, Coach Cano’s advice is simple: get out and compete. “There’s no substitute for tournament experience. Whether it’s at the local or national level, learning how to win is crucial,” she said. She also encourages prospective student-athletes to be proactive in their recruiting process. “Reach out to as many coaches as possible. It’s a numbers game. Don’t be shy, and make sure your resume includes tournament scores, yardages, and GPA.”

Cano also has advice for aspiring coaches. “Volunteer and get experience wherever you can,” she said. “You don’t have to start at the top. Spend time with local high school or middle school teams, and don’t be afraid to put in the work.”

Looking Ahead

As she continues to build the golf program at Texas A&M-San Antonio, Christi Cano is focused on the future. With each new recruit, the team becomes more competitive, and Cano remains committed to developing both the program and the individual players under her care. “We haven’t won a tournament yet, but that’s definitely a goal,” she said. “I’m excited about where we’re headed.”

For Cano, success is about more than just wins—it’s about creating a program that fosters growth, both athletically and personally. And with her wealth of experience as a player and coach, there’s no doubt she’s well on her way to achieving that vision.

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