Johnson-Lynch Takes To Course For Charity

Photo Credit: Reese Strickland

AMES, Iowa - It was for a good cause and Iowa State volleyball head coach Christy Johnson-Lynch was happy to be a part of this year's Principal Charity Classic. Of course, Johnson-Lynch didn't realize how big of a deal it was when she signed up.

"A few months ago, the organizers asked if any Iowa State coaches wanted to play," Johnson-Lynch said. "When I signed up, I thought it was just another regular golf outing. I had no idea it was such a big deal."

The Principal Charity Classic is in its 10th year and the goal remains the same, to raise money for local non-profit organizations supporting children. Over the last three years, the charity has raised more than $1.7 million for local children's charities.

Among the organizations receiving the 2010 proceeds were Blank Children's Hospital, Bravo Greater Des Moines, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, United Way of Central Iowa and Variety-The Children's Charity of IOWA.

The head coach, who will be coaching her sixth season with the Cyclones in the fall, was paired with professional Tommy Armour III, WOI-TV general manager Ray Cole, Mark Welter, who won a spot in a silent auction, and Desperate Housewives' star Teri Hatcher.

Johnson-Lynch enjoyed the group, especially the opportunity to play with a television megastar.

"I didn't know that I was playing with Teri until I showed up at the tee box. I couldn't believe it," Johnson-Lynch said. "She was awesome, very sweet and gracious. She just seemed so normal and down to earth. Her daughter plays volleyball so we talked about that a little bit. She hasn't golfed much either, so we bonded over our bad golfing."

The head coach said the television star probably gained a fan.

"I've never been a Desperate Housewives watcher, but I'm sure I will be now."

Johnson-Lynch's day on the course was highlighted by a "trick shot" on the 14th-hole.

"I drove the ball off the tee and it hit the roof of the grandstand and bounced right onto the green," Johnson-Lynch said. "My best shot of the day."

While the results on the course weren't what she may have hoped for, Johnson-Lynch enjoyed the event.

"The event was a lot of fun," Johnson-Lynch said. "The course was beautiful and the staff there was so helpful and welcoming. I haven't played much golf so I was pretty bad, and it didn't help that since I was playing with Teri Hatcher we had a huge crowd on every hole. I just tried to relax, have fun with it and hope that no one expected a volleyball coach to be a good golfer."

Iowa State University Athletics

Johnson-Lynch Takes To Course For Charity

Related News

Related Videos

Sponsors