Francesco Guarneri Named Women’s Golf Assistant Coach

University of Missouri women’s golf head coach Caroline Westrup Gaeta announced the addition of Francesco Guarneri as an assistant coach on Wednesday.

Guarneri joins the Tigers after spending the previous two years at IMG Academy.

“I am very excited to add Francesco to our coaching staff,” Westrup Gaeta said. “He brings great experience of developing players and his passion for coaching is infectious. He wants to continue to build this program and he aligns with the same standards and core values that we have at Mizzou.”

A native of Santiago, Chile, Guarneri coached a group of elite junior golfers at IMG Academy, providing daily technical instruction and performance training. His role emphasized individualized swing analysis, data-driven coaching and holistic development. Guarneri also collaborated with a multidisciplinary staff to create tailored development roadmaps, while additionally leading tournament preparation plans.

Guarneri’s coaching approach has focused on helping student-athletes excel both on and off the course. His philosophy centers around empowering players through discipline, personalized development and a strong emphasis on character and leadership. He has strived to not only elevate performance but also guide young athletes in becoming confident and well-rounded individuals.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join Mizzou and contribute to the growth of these outstanding student-athletes,” Guarneri said. “Helping them succeed, both in their game and in life, is what drives my passion for coaching.”

Prior to his time at IMG Academy, Guarneri spent two seasons at Eastern Kentucky, competing in 19 events during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 campaigns. He posted five top-30 finishes during his time with the Colonels, including 26th-place finish at the 2022 Atlantic Sun Championship. Guarneri also spent three seasons at the University of Cumberlands from 2018 to 2021, earning All-Mid-South Conference accolades as a sophomore in 2020-21.

Guarneri graduated from Eastern Kentucky in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in general business, while also earning a bachelor’s in business administration from Cumberlands in 2021.