CGN is introducing its first Coaching Highlight and Interview, featuring Eastern Michigan head women’s golf coach Josh Brewer.
In just two seasons, Brewer transformed Eastern Michigan into a national contender, leading the Eagles to their first NCAA Regional, first NCAA Championship appearance and a run to the NCAA Championship semifinals.
Following the historic 2025 to 2026 season, Brewer was named the Golfweek Women’s National Coach of the Year and WGCA East Region Coach of the Year.
Historic Turnaround
Brewer arrived at Eastern Michigan in 2024 following 12 seasons as head coach at Georgia.
Two years later, Eastern Michigan reached the NCAA Championship as the No. 21 seed. The Eagles advanced through stroke play and shot a final round 4 under 284, the lowest score of the day, to qualify for match play.
Eastern then defeated No. 4 Texas, 3.5 to 1.5, before falling to eventual national champion Stanford in the semifinals. The Eagles finished tied for third nationally.
The postseason run capped a season that included three tournament victories, five runner up finishes and top four finishes in 11 of 12 events before the NCAA Championship.
Building the Program
During his CGN interview, Brewer discussed the competitive culture behind Eastern Michigan’s rise.
Competition extends beyond tournaments into practice, qualifying and preparation. Brewer also emphasized accountability, relationships and individual player development as important parts of building the program.
Eastern’s roster has combined returning players with transfers and international recruits, including Savannah de Bock, Jasmine Leovao, Janae Leovao and Baiyok Sukterm.
Four Eagles finished the season inside the national top 100, led by Janae Leovao at No. 46.
GameAbove Impact
Brewer also discussed the impact of GameAbove and the additional resources surrounding Eastern Michigan golf.
The support has helped strengthen recruiting, player development, facilities and competitive opportunities while contributing to the creation of the GameAbove Golf Invitational with USC.
CGN provided livestream coverage of the inaugural event.
Coaching Background
Before Eastern Michigan, Brewer spent 12 seasons leading Georgia, where his teams won 16 tournaments, qualified for 10 NCAA Regionals and made four NCAA Championship appearances.
He previously served as an assistant coach at USC and Indiana. Brewer also played collegiately at Indiana and won the 1998 Indiana Amateur.
During his CGN interview, Brewer discussed the influence of former USC head coach Andrea Gaston, particularly her emphasis on developing relationships with players and supporting their growth beyond golf.
Career Snapshot
Josh Brewer
Head Coach, Eastern Michigan
2026 Golfweek Women’s National Coach of the Year
2025 to 2026 WGCA East Region Coach of the Year
2026 NCAA Championship semifinalist
Former Georgia head coach
Former USC and Indiana assistant coach
1998 Indiana Amateur Champion
CGN Coaching Highlight
Brewer’s first two seasons at Eastern Michigan have changed the trajectory of the program. The Eagles progressed from outside the national picture to defeating Texas in NCAA Match Play and finishing tied for third nationally.
As CGN expands its coverage to include college coaches, Brewer opens the Coaching Highlight series following one of the most significant seasons in Eastern Michigan women’s golf history.
Sources:
Eastern Michigan: Josh Brewer Coaching Profile
Eastern Michigan: Brewer Named Golfweek National Coach of the Year
Eastern Michigan: Brewer Named WGCA East Region Coach of the Year