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Sept. 6

DETROIT

University of Detroit Mercy Director Of Golf Jordan McArleton has announced a former Titan to his staff as Chuck Batcheller will be the new Assistant Director of Golf. In this role, he will assist with both the men’s and women’s programs. 

“We are thrilled to have coach Batcheller back with the program,” said coach McArleton. “It is great to have alums come back and share their expertise and coach with us. He had a great run at Cranbrook-Kingswood, and I really believe he can help take us to the next level.”

Batcheller played for Detroit Mercy from 1983-1987.

Sept. 1

LITTLE ROCK

Little Rock Athletics named Austin Eoff as the new head coach of the men’s golf team. Eoff joins the Trojans after previously being the head coach at Central Arkansas.

“I am excited to get started at Little Rock and want to thank Mr. George Lee and those involved for this opportunity,” said Eoff. “The Little Rock golf program is a huge part of the local golfing community and we are fortunate to play some of the best golf courses in the entire country. I look forward to working with this team, which has accomplished so much in the last three years, and taking them to new heights in the future. Go Trojans!”

Prior to joining the Bears, Eoff was the Assistant Men’s Golf Coach at Purdue, where he also played his collegiate golf. Eoff was one of three players in school history to earn four All-Big Ten honors. He set a Purdue record for most consecutive top-10 finishes with eight, spanning the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons.

Eoff replaces Jake Harrington who left Little Rock to take head job at New Mexico.

TEXAS-ARLINGTON

Trinity King is the new assistant coach at Texas-Arlington.

King finished her playing career at TCU this past season. In her final season as a Horned Frog, she competed in the NCAA Championships for TCU.

“I am extremely grateful to Coach Cat (Catherine Matranga) for the opportunity to coach alongside her this year,” stated King. “UTA is a special place to me because Arlington is my hometown, and I am excited to be here with such a great team. This program has grown so much over the years, and I am looking forward to learning and growing in my new role.”

King isn’t the only coach on the UTA women’s golf staff to spend her playing career in a Horned Frog uniform as head coach Catherine Matranga was a four-year letterwinner for TCU (2003-07).

FLORIDA

Florida head coach men’s golf J.C. Deacon has announced the promotion of Dudley Hart to Associate Head Coach. Hart has spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach after spending four years (2017-20) as Florida’s volunteer assistant.

“We are honored to name Dudley Hart our Associate Head Coach,” said Deacon. “Since arriving full time in Gainesville, he has given his heart and soul to our players, this program, and the University of Florida. His work ethic and commitment to excellence defines what I think a great coach looks like. I am very proud of what we have accomplished together and look forward to chasing more championships with him going forward.”

Last year the Gators claimed the program’s fifth National Championship and 16th SEC Championship.

August 31

 DUKE

Duke head coach Jamie Green has announced the promotion of Bob Heintz to associate head coach. Heintz, entering his eighth season with the program, joined the Blue Devils in early February of 2017 after more than five years as head men’s golf coach at the University of Pennsylvania and as a former six-time full PGA Tour card member.

“Bob has been a key member of the Duke men’s golf staff since the day he was hired and I’m thrilled to officially name him associate head coach,” said Green. “He arrived in Durham with accomplished head coaching experience from Penn and has always gone above and beyond what I’ve asked of him. He’s shown in each consecutive season what makes him such a valuable part of the team and this promotion is a well-deserved recognition of that hard work and commitment to our Blue Devil family.”

During his five years at Penn, Heintz was named the Ivy League Coach of the Year after leading the Quakers to the conference title in 2015. He played his college golf and graduated from Yale in 1992.He won three consecutive Ivy League individual championships from 1990-92 and was named an Academic All-American as a senior.

NEVADA

Nevada has announced the addition of Jordan Amelon to the staff as a full-time Assistant Coach.

A former Division I golfer, Amelon brings a plethora of experience and knowledge of the game, and she will join the staff prior to the start of the 2023-24 season.

Amelon joins the Pack Women’s Golf program after graduating from the University of Iowa last spring. She competed for the Hawkeyes for one year and finished tied for 40th at the 2023 Big Ten Championships and was a recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award at the end of the season. Prior to her time at Iowa, Amelon competed for four years at St. Catherine University.

“I am so excited to have Jordan join our program,” said head coach Kathleen Takaishi. “Bringing on a full-time assistant coach this season will have a tremendous impact on our team, and I think that Jordan is the perfect person for this role. She was an excellent collegiate player, and I think that she has the potential to be a great coach.”

August 30

JAMES MADISON

Ivy Shepherd has joined the James Madison women’s golf team as an assistant coach.

“We are very excited to add Ivy to the program,” head coach Tommy Baker said. “Her elite playing experience and knowledge of the game will undoubtedly help elevate this program to another level.”

Shepherd arrives at James Madison her collegiate career at Clemson and Kentucky, having spent four years with the Tigers before moving to Kentucky as a graduate transfer for the 2022-23 season.

Shepherd, who is from Peachtree City, Georgia, was a two-time First Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honoree at Clemson. She played her way inside the top 40 of the Women’s World Amateur Rankings, earning an invite to the prestigious 2022 Augusta National Women’s Amateur prior to her graduate season.

August 28

NEW MEXICO

New Mexico has announced Sam Saunders has been named the program’s assistant coach. Saunders, who played for the Lobos from 2011-15, recently concluded a professional golf career.

“I am excited to have Sam come back and serve as our assistant coach,” said head coach Jake Harrington. “He is from Albuquerque and has such a passion for Lobo golf. He played a number of years professionally and he is going to help our players by passing his knowledge on to them, especially since he has been where they want to go in their careers. I know Sam will be a great recruiter because he knows how to sell what makes UNM so special.”

Saunders helped the Lobos win the 2014 Mountain West championship. After graduation, Saunders spent seven years as a professional golfer, playing on numerous tours. He played one season on the Korn Ferry Tour, four seasons playing on PGA Tour Canada and two seasons playing on PGA Tour Latinoamérica. During his career, he posted seven professional victories and made one appearance on the PGA Tour, the 2022 Valero Texas Open in San Antonio.

A graduate of La Cueva High School, Saunders was the 2009 Class 5A individual state champion while leading the Bears to two team state championships.

“Lobo golf is such a big part of my life, so I am incredibly honored to be coaching at my alma mater,” said Saunders. “I was born and raised in Albuquerque and had family play here, so I have truly grown up around this program. I appreciate the opportunity to come back and look forward to helping UNM golf have continued success.”

PENN STATE

Penn State has announced the hiring of Nannette Hill as assistant coach.

After graduating from Wake Forest University in 2009, Hill has spent the past 13 seasons playing professionally competing in over 200 events with several victories and a bevy of top-10’s across multiple tours including the LPGA Tour and most recently the Epson Tour.

“I want to thank coach (Kristen) Simpson for this tremendous opportunity to begin my coaching career here at Penn State. Her competitive fire, desire to constantly improve, and passion for the student-athletes are the perfect elements to being an incredible coach and was something I really wanted to be a part of,” said Hill. “Penn State is a supportive community with top notch athletics, and I knew instantly I wanted to call Happy Valley home. I’m excited for this new journey and can’t wait to join coach Simpson and help build the best program possible.”

August 24

VANDERBILT

Vanderbilt men’s golf head coach Scott Limbaugh announced Tuesday, the hiring of Brady Edwards as assistant coach and director of operations for the Commodores.

Edwards joins Vanderbilt after spending the 2022-23 season as the men’s and women’s golf head coach at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix.

Prior to his time at South Mountain, Edwards spent three years on the PGA, Korn Ferry, and LPGA Tours as a TrackMan tour representative developing tour analytics and serving as a technology specialist. Edwards played golf collegiately at Little Rock, where he was a three-year member of the Trojans men’s golf team, including serving as team captain during his senior season. He graduated from Little Rock in 2017.

“I’m very excited at the unique opportunity that Coach Limbaugh and the athletic staff at Vanderbilt have provided,” said Edwards. “I’m thrilled to be with the team and help them gain national success in any way possible.”

August 24

TEXAS

The University of Texas has announced the addition of former Longhorns’ student-athlete Maddie Luitwieler to the position of Director of Operations/Assistant Coach. 

Luitwieler, a native of Katy, Texas, played for the women’s golf team at Texas from 2015-19. Since graduation, Luitwieler has been playing professionally on the Epson Tour and the Women’s All Pro Tour. 

“As a recent former player for Coach Murphy and Coach Kate I understand their vision as well as the culture of the team,” Luitwieler said. “I already know most of the girls and I sincerely believe in their talent and potential. I will leverage these relationships for a quick transition onto the team. I am so excited to return to Longhorn Nation and contribute to the program’s culture of success at the coaching level. I want to enable each player to be the best they can be, because I know we have the talent to win the National Championship.”  

August 23

USC

The USC men’s golf program has hired Evan Emerick to the position of assistant coach. Emerick was previously the associate head coach for San Diego State during the 2022-23 season. His tenure with the Aztecs spanned 15 years, either as a player or on staff at SDSU.

“Evan brings a wealth of coaching experience in the southern California area,” USC head coach Mark Hankins said. “He is passionate about working in collegiate golf and with the players, and we are excited to have him join our team.”

He began as a volunteer assistant coach (2013-2015) before being promoted to director of operations and associate head coach for the golf program (2015-2022).

Emerick played for SDSU from 2008 to 2012. He was a member of the Aztecs team that was ranked No. 4 (2010-2012) in the country.

August 23

GEORGIA STATE

Ket Preamchuen Vanderpool has been named the head coach of the Georgia State women’s golf program after four seasons as an assistant coach for the Panthers. Vanderpool becomes the third head coach in the program’s history.

“I am very excited and thankful for the opportunity that Charlie Cobb and Doug Justice have given me to lead our GSU women’s golf program,” Vanderpool said. “I am ready to help our program ascend to the next level. I believe the future of our women’s golf program is very bright, and I am thrilled to be leading it.”

Vanderpool originally joined the Georgia State staff in January 2020. Before coming to Georgia State, Vanderpool spent two years as a graduate assistant coach at Kennesaw State, her alma mater, from 2015-17 after playing professionally. She competed for the Owls from 2009 to 2013 as one of the top players in program history. A three-time, first-team All-Atlantic Sun Conference.

Before returning to Kennesaw State in a coaching capacity, Vanderpool played professionally on the Symetra Tour.

August 21

CHARLOTTE

Charlotte head women’s golf coach, Ryan Ashburn, has announced the hiring of C.C. Buford McMahan as assistant coach. McMahan arrives in Charlotte following a four-year stint as the head coach of East Carolina.

“I couldn’t be more excited to add C.C. to our Charlotte family,” said Ashburn. “Not only is she a fantastic coach that has coaches at all levels of the game, but she is someone who I have heavily relied on for coaching advice the last six years. She brings so much passion and energy to coaching and the game of golf. I know she is going to be able to help us reach our goals.”

In Greenville, Buford led the Pirates to a third-place finish at the 2021 American Athletic Conference (AAC) championships and 11 other Top-3 event finishes.

“I am so excited to join the Niner golf family,” began McMahan. “I was just starting my coaching career when the Charlotte began and have had many opportunities to observe their teams. These players have always played with passion and respect for the game as well as the university. I am eager to join the special program they have. I am incredibly grateful to Coach Ashburn, Ryan Cabbage, Darin Spease and Mike Hill for allowing me to join a group that I know is hungry to take this program to new heights as we enter the American Athletic Conference.”

Before landing in Greenville, Buford spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Campbell University, guiding the Camels to consecutive Big South Conference championships.

Following a four-year playing career at the College of Charleston, she began her coaching journey as a volunteer assistant coach at her alma mater. She was a member of back-to-back CAA title-winning teams in 2014 and 2015. She qualified for the 2014 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championships.

MICHIGAN STATE

Patricia Sanz Barrio has been named an assistant women’s golf coach at Michigan State. Most recently (2017-21), Sanz Barrio has been a scout for the National Scouting Report of Spain, working with golfers from the country who were seeking opportunities to play and attend school in the United States.

Sanz Barrio, a native of Spain who played college golf at Auburn, has been a full member of the Ladies European Tour (LET) since 2014 and played on the Syemtra Tour from 2017-19 while also helping Madrid youth teams in Spain for two years.

“I’m delighted to have someone with Patricia’s experience join our family,” head coach Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll said. “She was a successful golfer on the college level and has had a terrific career as a professional in Europe while also getting the opportunity to coach and instruct on an international level. Given that our roster includes young women from around the world, I know Patricia’s world-wide life experiences will make her a great addition to our program and the Spartan Golf Family.”

As a collegian at Auburn, Sanz Barrio won the SEC individual title and led the team to the 2012 conference title while being named All-SEC First Team. A member of three SEC Championship teams (2009, 2011-12), Sanz Barrio posted 10 top-20 finishes during her career.

MIDDLE TENNESSEE

Middle Tennessee as announced Jason Millard as an assistant coach.

“I am very excited to have Jason join our staff,” head coach Mark McEntire said. “He is arguably the best former player to ever tee it up for the Blue Raiders and will be a tremendous asset to our athletes. Jason’s resume speaks for itself. His professional playing experience will be another advantage with current players and recruits!”

Inducted into the MTSU Hall of Fame in 2021, Millard is a three-time All-Sun Belt selection and earned Third Team All-American recognition from both PING and Golfweek.com in 2011 and Honorable Mention All-American honors from the Golf Coaches Association of America in 2008. He finished 18^th at the 2008 NCAA Championship and fourth in the 2011 NCAA Regionals.

MTSU won 13 team titles with Millard as part of its lineup. He also won individual titles at the 2009 Arkansas State Red Wolf Classic and the 2011 Mobile Bay Invitational.

SAN FRANCISCO

The University of San Francisco men’s and women’s golf programs have announced that Jalen Griffin  an assistant coach for the two programs, has been promoted into the role of Associate Head Coach for both programs.

“It’s an honor to step up into this role for a program that I have so much passion for,” said Griffin. “It’s been my goal to put USF Golf on the national map since 2014 and to see it come to fruition these last few years has been so rewarding. Along with Coach Kennedy and Coach Doell, we’ll continue to instill a strong team culture, work hard each day to get our players on a path to success, and compete at the highest level.”

Griffin, a four-time letter winner for the Dons finished his collegiate career in 2018 when the Dons competed in the NCAA Bryan Regional.

COLGATE UNIVERSITY 

Colgate University has hired J.P. Kircher as its new men’s golf coach.

Kircher replaces Keith Tyburski, who accepted a similar position at Yale University in June.

Kircher joins the Raiders program from Piedmont College where he had served as the head coach of the golf program for seven seasons and was named 2023 Collegiate Conference of the South (CCS) Coach of the Year.

A native of Rochester, N.Y., Kircher guided Division III Piedmont to an NCAA Championship runner-up finish in 2023 anchored by the individual national champion, Josh Hebrink. During his tenure, Kircher, who played collegiate golf at DIII Huntington College in Alabama, developed seven All-America honorees, nine All-Region selections, 10 All-Conference members, and a CCS Player of the Year.

“Coach Kircher has worked diligently to grow and shape the program at Piedmont into one recognized nationally,” said Colgate’s Interim Vice President and Director of Athletic Yariv Amir on Monday. “His experience as a coach and player, and his leadership roles throughout the game will serve him well as our next head coach. His teams at Piedmont have excelled and grown stronger at the national level and he joins Colgate at a time when our team is reaching new heights competitively. We are excited to have him back in New York State as the next leader of our program.”

August 17

DENVER

The University of Denver has named Gary Bissell the Pioneers next head men’s golf coach. Bissell arrives at Denver after spending nine years at Grand Valley State. Bissell replaces Logan Goulding, who resigned in July to pursue a career as a caddie on the PGA Tour.  

Last season, Bissell and the Lakers won a program-record 10 tournaments, including the program’s first Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) title since 2018 and their first NCAA Division II Regional Championship in program history. GVSU reached the NCAA Championship Match Play quarterfinals for the first time as a program as well, completing his final season with the Lakers ranked fifth in the country.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to be the next head coach of such a prestigious program,” Bissell said. “Denver golf has competed at a high level for many years and I look forward to continuing that tradition.”

The East Lansing, Michigan, native guided rising senior Charles DeLong to the 2022-23 NCAA Jack Nicklaus Division II Player of the Year award, one of three Laker golfers to earn All-Region honors and one of five to earn All-GLIAC accolades. 

Bissell, who is from East Lansing, Mich., played his collegiate golf at Ferris State, was a four-time GLIAC Coach of the Year. During Bissell’s other two NCAA Division II Championship appearances, the Lakers finished 16th in 2022 and 11th in 2019.

August 17

LONG BEACH STATE

Long Beach State head men’s coach Rob Murray has announced the hiring of Marc Gerst as an assistant coach. Gerst comes to Long Beach State after spending the last year as an assistant golf professional at the University of Texas Golf Club.

“Marc brings experience from teaching and coaching at an elite-level club at the University of Texas Golf Club,” said Murray. “Marc will be a great resource for our student-athletes and help guide them to the top of the college game. Marc’s overall passion for the game really stood out in our search. I’m excited to welcome him to the Long Beach State family.”

Gerst is a recent graduate of Aquinas College in Grand Rapid, Mich., where he was a member of the men’s golf team.

August 17

UNIVERSITY of MONTEVALLO

The University of Montevallo (NCAA Division II) located in Montevallo, Ala., is moving its assistant coaching position form part-time to full-time.

Neil Thompson, who was the assistant coach last year, will not be returning to the coaching staff this year.

August 11

COLLEGE of CHARLESTON

Jodee Parrott returns to her alma mater becoming the first full-time assistant coach in the history of the College of Charleston women’s golf program. Parrott played for the College of Charleston from 2018-2022. Parrott spent last year as the assistant women’s coach at East Carolina University.

“It is great to have Jodee back at the College of Charleston. She was one of the most dedicated and competitive golfers we have ever had at The College,” said head coach Jamie Futrell. “She did a great job at East Carolina, and I look forward to working with her as we continue to grow our program at the College of Charleston.”

During her time at Charleston, Parrott was a four-year letterman contributing to eight team wins including the 2022 CAA Championship. She competed in back-to-back NCAA Regionals in 2021 and 2022 and was named second team All-CAA in 2019 and 2022. 

August 9

OREGON STATE

Katie Kempter has been hired as the Oregon State women’s assistant coach.

Kempter previously worked as a golf professional at The Club at Admirals Cove in Jupiter, Fla., since 2018 and was also a golf shop manager at the Burlington Country Club in Vermont after a playing career of nine years. She competed professionally on the LPGA, Symetra and Ladies Asian Golf Tours and had nine Top 10 finishes during her seven years on the Symetra Tour, including a win at the Volvik Championship in 2015.

Kempter played her college golf at the University of Denver where she was teammates with Oregon State head coach Dawn Shockley. Shockley and Kempter led the Pioneers to 17 team wins with sixth and fifth place finishes, respectively, at the NCAA Championships in 2007 and 2008.

Kelly Kerkvliet, who was an assistant coach for six years and the associate head coach the past two seasons, will transition to a role as a volunteer assistant coach with the Oregon State women’s golf program.

“I’m excited to coach alongside a good friend and someone with such a passion for the game of golf,” Shockley said. “Her knowledge, experience and work ethic will be a great addition for our program as we continue build off the momentum from this past season. We accomplished some amazing things as teammates at the University of Denver, and I can’t wait to see what we can do together as coaches.”

August 3

TROY

Clay Bounds has been named the head coach at Troy.

Bounds arrives at Troy after serving as the assistant coach at West Virginia. Prior to his time at West Virginia,

Bounds spent three years at West Virginia. Prior to that he spent the previous five seasons as an assistant coach at Rice. Bounds spent the 2012-13 season as a student assistant at Mississippi State.

Bounds, who is from Meridian, Mississippi, played his college golf at Meridian Community College and transferred to Birmingham Southern College before capping his playing career at Mississippi State.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Clay Bounds, his wife Jessica and their three young sons to the Troy Family,” Director of Athletics Brent Jones said. “Clay is widely considered one of the best assistant golf coaches in Division I. He has incredible experience as a golfer competing at a nationally-ranked junior college and in the SEC at Mississippi State. Additionally, he has nine years of successful coaching at Rice and West Virginia. He is known as a tireless and great recruiter, coupled with his connectivity to the student-athletes, his knowledge of golf and his passion and vision for Troy Men’s Golf.” ”

August 3

TCU

TCU head coach Angie Ravaioli-Larkin announced the hire of Kendall Ahrens as an assistant coach.

Ahrens replaces Andrea Kaelin, who was tabbed the head women’s golf coach at Tulane.

Originally from Montgomery, Texas, Ahrens spent the last two seasons as an assistant women’s golf coach at James Madison University.

“I could not be more excited and honored to be joining the TCU Family,” Ahrens said. “I would like to thank Coach Larkin for this amazing opportunity to step in and continue building on the success of this program – she has accomplished so much in her time here with the Horned Frogs and I feel extremely blessed to get the opportunity to coach alongside her.

Before James Madison, Ahrens spent two years at Mississippi State, her alma mater.

August 3

TULANE

Tulane Director of Athletics Troy Dannen has announced Andrea Kaelin has been hired as the head coach for the Green Wave’s women’s golf program.

Kaelin comes to Tulane after six years with TCU’s women’s program, the last four coming as its associate head coach after two seasons as its assistant.

“We are excited to welcome Andrea to the Tulane Athletics Family,” said Dannen. “Her successful track record and commitment to developing today’s student-athlete will serve her well in Uptown. Our team is eager to get started this fall and I know that Andrea is as well.”

Kaelin came to the Horned Frogs after serving the previous four years as head coach at Redlands Community College in El Reno, Okla. She played her college golf at Florida State, graduating in 2012. Before arriving in Tallahassee, Kaelin played two seasons at Redlands.

August 1

NEW MEXICO

The University of New Mexico has announced that Jake Harrington has been named the head men’s golf coach of the Lobos.

Harrington spent the last decade at Little Rock, where he recently led the Trojans to three straight NCAA Regional appearances and an appearance at the 2021 NCAA finals. The Trojans won the 2022 Sun Belt Conference and 2023 Ohio Valley Conference titles.

“Our approach from the beginning was to hire someone of integrity and high character that is a proven winner to lead our tradition rich men’s golf program,” said Vice President/Director of Athletics Eddie Nuñez. “Jake Harrington is a proven winner everywhere he has been. His vision to continue to build on the history of our program, while competing for championships and focusing on exceptional player development on-and-off the course will help propel our program to future success.”

Prior to taking over the Little Rock program, Harrington was the head coach at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix, where he led the Cougars to National Junior College Athletic Association Division II National Championships in three of his last four seasons. Harrington was a two-time recipient of the Dave Williams National Coach of the Year award in 2010 and 2012.

Harrington played one season for South Mountain Community College (2001-02) before finishing his playing career at Holy Names University in 2004. Harrington became the first golfer to be inducted into the Holy Names University Athletic Hall of Fame for his accomplishments as a student-athlete.

July 28

MONMOUTH

Bill Britton has stepped down as the head coach of Monmouth University Men’s Golf, effective immediately, the department announced Tuesday. Monmouth is an NCAA Division I team competing in the Colonial Athletic Association.

“I want to thank Coach Britton for his service and commitment to Monmouth University and our men’s golf program,” said Acting Director of Athletics Jen Sansevero. “We wish him well as he enters his next chapter both personally and professionally.”
 
Britton took over the program in July 2019, and coached the Hawks for four seasons. 

July 28

INCARNATE WORD

Earlier This summer Aimee Ponte left Incarnate Word for head coaching position at the University of Cincinnati.

This past season Incarnate Word finished the year ranked No. 70 in the Golfweek/Sagarin Rankings and places second in the Southland Conference Championship.

Incarnate Word is still in search of a head coach and hoping to set up interviews in the next week.

July 27

KANSAS STATE

Kansas State has filled its women’s coaching staff. Earlier this summer Stew Burke was hired to replace Kristi Knight, who retired at season’s end.

Burke, who agreed to a five-year contract with the Wildcats, returns to Manhattan after previously serving as an assistant coach from 2014-2017. He left Kansas State for USC where he was associate head coach for two years before being named head coach at Tulane since 2019.

Burke, who was the 2022 American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year.

“This has been a dream of mine, and there is nowhere I’d rather be. This program has the potential to be a perennial postseason contender, and I believe we can get back to regionals quickly. I am excited to work with the returning players and to start recruiting with the Powercat on my chest.”

Burke, who played collegiately at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri, recently hired Rinko Mitsunaga as an assistant coach.

Mitsunaga, who worked the last two seasons at Tulane under Burke, played her college golf at the University of Georgia.

ARIZONA

The University of Arizona has given a contract extension to head coach Laura Ianello to remain with the Wildcats through 2028.

Ianello, a two-time Pac-12 Coach of the Year, has been directing the program since the 2010-11 season. Arizona won the 2018 NCAA Championship in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

A native of Charleston, Illinois, Ianello was a member of the Arizona Women’s Golf program from 1999 to 2003. Her collegiate career saw Arizona win the 2000 NCAA national championship as well as three consecutive Pac-10 titles from 2001 to 2003.

“Laura Ianello has proven to be one of the nation’s elite golf coaches,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Dave Heeke. “As a national champion as a player and head coach at her alma mater, Laura’s career at the University of Arizona has been defined by championship excellence. Our women’s golf program distinguishes itself by raising and meeting a championship standard. Under her guidance, Arizona Women’s Golf continues to be a point of pride by competing for national championships, elite academic achievements and developing student-athletes into future professionals and community leaders. Laura is a Wildcat for Life, and I am excited to see the program achieve more greatness in the future.”

The program officially broke ground on its new $14.8 million golf facility in May, which will be the official home facility of Arizona’s women’s and men’s golf programs. The Clements Golf Center is scheduled to open in Spring of 2024.

July 26

LEE UNIVERSITY

Evan Spence has be named head men’s golf coach at NCAA Division II Lee University (Cleveland, Tennessee).

Spence, who is from Chattanooga, Tennessee, spent this past season as the volunteer assistant coach. Spence also played his college golf at Lee.

Spence replaces John Maupin who was named Lee University Athletic Director in June of 2023 after 15 years as the Director of Golf with Lee, including winning the first NCAA Div. II National Championship in school history in 2022.

“I am thrilled to welcome Evan as the Head Men’s Golf Coach at Lee University,” said Maupin. “I honestly believe we just hired one of the best young coaches out there. Evan, and his wife Haverly (Harrold), were both an instrumental part of our golf program as players, and now it will be a true joy to watch them lead our men’s golf program forward.”

July 24 

NORTH ALABAMA

University of North Alabama has announced the hiring of Austin Phillips as the Lions new men’s golf coach. Phillips signed a four-year contract with UNA after leading Cameron University’s men’s golf program to two of its best seasons in program history

“We’ve identified and selected one of college golf’s rising head coaches to lead a men’s golf program that is quickly emerging as a nationally-competitive Division I program,” said director of athletics Dr. Josh Looney. “Austin has what it takes to deliver on the high expectations we have for UNA men’s golf and continue our rise in the ASUN and at the Division I level.

Prior to Cameron, Phillips spent time as the Tournament Administrator at the Carolinas PGA Section, where he had a variety of duties. Prior to that, he worked for the Golf Coaches Association of America, working tournament operations for the GCAA Amateur Golf Series. Phillips is also a PGA Associate and has a USGA Expert Rules Certification.

Phillips gained his initial Division I coaching experience as an assistant coach at Ohio University.

July 22

MISSOURI

Glen Millican has been named head coach at Missouri. Millican replaces Mark Hankins, who took the job at Southern California earlier this month.

He arrives at Missouri after spending the previous 22 seasons leading the New Mexico program, where he led the team to eight Mountain West Conference titles in addition to eight appearances at the NCAA Championship Finals. Overall, New Mexico advanced to 18 NCAA Regionals during his 22 seasons on campus. His team recently qualified for the 2023 NCAA Championship Final at Grayhawk GC where they earned a top-25 finish.

“We sought to hire someone of high character with a proven record of success and coaching at the highest level to lead our Men’s Golf program,” Director of Athletics Desireé Reed-Francois said. “Coach Millican is a veteran leader, a relentless recruiter, has exceptional player-development skills and knows what success looks like. He will bring a championship vision to our strong golf community in Mid-Missouri and we are proud to welcome Coach Millican, Megan and their children to Columbia.”

Millican is an eight-time Mountain West Coach of the Year.

Prior to becoming UNM’s head coach, Millican spent three years with the program as an assistant coach from 1998 to 2001. Millican was a three-year letterwinner at New Mexico from 1994 to 1998.

July 20

CINCINNATI

University of Cincinnati announced earlier this summer the hiring of Aimee Ponte as women’s golf coach.

Ponte comes to Cincinnati from Incarnate Word where she led her squad to back-to-back second-place Southland Conference Championship finishes. Ponte joined the Incarnate Word women’s golf staff as an assistant coach in November 2019 and was promoted to interim head coach in August of 2021 before taking over the program as the full-time head coach in July of 2022. 

“I’m excited to hire one of the nation’s top young golf coaches in Aimee Ponte to lead our women’s golf program,” said Director of Athletics John Cunningham. “Aimee has already found tremendous success as a head coach. Her ability to engage, teach and identify talent at a high level has separated her from her peers and made her the perfect fit for the Bearcats. I can’t wait for Aimee to get started and am looking forward to the future of UC women’s golf with Aimee at the helm.”

Ponte was named the 2022-23 Southland Coach of the Year.

July 20

VANDERBILT

After leading Vanderbilt to nine consecutive trips to the NCAA finals, Scott Limbaugh has had his contract extended.

“I’m thrilled that we can continue to invest in Scott Limbaugh as he has invested in us,” said Candice Storey Lee, vice chancellor for athletics and university affairs and athletic director. “Since his arrival at Vanderbilt, he’s been committed to building one of the nation’s preeminent golf programs and the results speak for themselves. Individually and collectively, our student-athletes continue setting new standards of excellence. As we continue this new chapter for Vanderbilt Athletics, including the ongoing Vandy United initiative to enhance team facilities at Vanderbilt Legends Club, Scott’s success mentoring champions and leaders is a blueprint for what is possible.”

July 19

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Department of Athletics has named Angela Rayhill as head coach to lead its women’s golf program. Rayhill replaces Mat Blair who resigned this past spring. UIC is an NCAA Division I school that competes in the Missouri Valley Conference. 

Rayhill comes to UIC from Chicago State, where she has led the Cougars’ women’s golf program since 2015.
  
Rayhill was a member of the Rend Lake College golf team that advanced to the NJCAA National Championship in 2007 and 2008. She won the individual medalist honors at the 2008 NJCAA Region XXIV Championship and finished 22nd nationally. Rayhill completed her collegiate career at the University of Southern Indiana where she won the Great Lakes Valley Conference individual title.

July 18

BAYLOR

Baylor women’s golf head coach Jay Goble announced Collin Toner as its new Director of Operations.
 
“Collin comes to us with a strong grasp of the current landscape in college athletics and what we are all about at Baylor,” Goble said. “He has a love for the game of golf and experience working at some of the best courses in the country and is working towards his PGA membership. He will be a great asset to our program moving forward, and we are excited to welcome him to our team.”
 
A 2021 graduate of the University of Nebraska, Toner has spent the last two years assisting Baylor head coaches, student-athletes and staff as a graduate assistant with the compliance team.

July 17

OKLAHOMA STATE

Oklahoma State’s men’s golf team has added former Cowboy golfer Stratton Nolen to its staff as an assistant coach. Nolen is the third coach on staff behind head coach Alan Bratton and assistant coach Donnie Darr.

“We are excited to add Stratton to our staff. He is smart, competitive, hardworking and loves Oklahoma State,” Bratton said. “He knows what it takes to achieve on the course while excelling in the classroom. He will be a good mentor for our current guys and will bring the right kind of kids into our program on the recruiting trail. I cannot wait to hit the road recruiting with him.”

Nolen competed for the cowboys from 2013-18.

July 14

DENVER

University of Denver men’s golf head coach Logan Goulding has submitted his resignation to pursue an opportunity to caddy full-time on the PGA Tour.

Goulding was named the 2022 Summit League Coach of the Year and guided the Pioneers to a league championship in his first season. Denver would go on to finish NCAA Regional play in seventh place putting the Pioneers in position to advance to the NCAA Championships for the first time since 1960.

In his final season with the program in 2023, the Pioneers finished runner-up at The Summit League Championship.

Denver will immediately begin a national search for its next men’s golf head coach.

July 13

CHARLESTON SOUTHERN

Charleston Southern has announced Chan Metts has been named the new Head Men’s and Women’s Golf Coach. Metts replaces Jordan Jeffers who took a job earlier this summer as the head women’s coach at Houston Christian University.

Metts arrives in Charleston after coaching stops at the University of Sioux Falls, Georgia Southern University and most recently Western Kentucky University. He spent the last five seasons as the head coach at Western Kentucky after taking on the role in 2018.

A native of Dublin, Georgia, Metts walked on the Georgia College and State University men’s golf team in 2005 and earned a scholarship in his senior year.

July 13

NAVY

Navy men’s golf head coach Jimmy Stobs has announced the addition of Jimmy Criscione to the Midshipmen coaching staff. Criscione, a PGA Class A Professional, arrives in Annapolis after spending the last two years as the head coach at Wagner College in Staten Island, N.Y.

“I am excited to welcome Coach Criscione to the Yard as we begin a new era in Navy golf,” said Stobs, who enters his second year leading the Navy men’s golf program. “Jimmy is very passionate about college golf and will be a valuable asset to the program.”

Criscione , who is a native of Paramus, N.J., took over the Wagner men’s golf program in 2021-22. Criscione made the transition to coaching after playing his college golf at Monmouth.

July 13

AUBURN

Auburn volunteer assistant coach Buddy Alexander has been promoted to assistant coach for both the Auburn men’s and women’s golf programs. Alexander joined the men’s staff last fall.

Alexander becomes the third golf coach on staff joining assistants Chris Williams on the men’s side and Kim Hall on the women’s side. Nick Clinard serves as the men’s coach while Melissa Luellen is the women’s coach.

Alexander joins the Auburn staff with over 30 years of coaching experience at the Division I level, most notably as the head coach at the University of Florida from 1988 to 2014. While at Florida, Alexander guided the program to eight SEC Championships and a pair of national titles in 1993 and 2001. He is a seven-time SEC Coach of the Year and three-time NCAA Coach of the Year.

Additionally, Alexander led Louisiana State University to a pair of SEC titles in 1986 and 1987 as the head coach of the program from 1982 to 1987.

July 12

TROY

Troy’s Forrest Schultz has stepped down as men’s head golf coach to accept the position as the assistant men’s golf coach at Alabama. 

“Forrest did a phenomenal job in his two years building Troy Golf back to a level of national prominence and competitiveness, as evidenced by the program winning four tournament titles, having 13 top-five finishes, competing for a conference championship title in match play, having an individual participate in the NCAA Championship and our team participating in postseason play,” said Director of Athletics Brent Jones. “We have high expectations for our golf program that is matched with our resources, tradition, history, culture, facility, and Forrest’s tenure as a Trojan added to that legacy. We wish Forrest, Holly and their family the best of luck in the future.”

Troy advanced to postseason play this past season for the first time since 2017 as sophomore Brantley Scott earned an individual berth into the NCAA Auburn Regional and the Trojans played in the inaugural National Golf Invitational after narrowly missing out on an at-large berth into the NCAA Championship. 

The Trojans finished the season ranked No. 88 in the Golfweek/Sagarin ratings.

The Trojans posted their most head-to-head wins this past year since the 1994-95 season and combined for an 187-98-6 head-to-head record in Schultz’s two seasons after combining for 150 victories in the previous four seasons.

“My time at Troy University has been nothing short of incredible,” said Schultz. “I can’t say thank you enough to Troy University, Chancellor Hawkins and Brent Jones for the opportunity they provided me and my family to come coach here. I would like to personally thank Brent Jones for his leadership and trust in me during my time. Brent’s relentlessness in providing resources and support are major reasons for our success. Also, thank you to my players. These guys bought in on day one with what I wanted to do, and because of that faith, we were able to win multiple tournaments, break multiple records and move the needle for Troy Men’s Golf.”

July 12

KENTUCKY

Former Kentucky golfer Jacob Cook has been added as assistant coach for the Wildcats. Gator Todd, who was named head coach earlier this summer, has made the announcement of his new assistant coach after previously adding Chip McDaniel to his staff.

“We’re excited about hiring Jacob as our second assistant coach,” Todd said. “He is very well respected from his time here as a Wildcat and will be a great resource for our guys. We’re looking forward to adding him to the program.”

Cook spent the past season as an assistant coach at Rhodes College.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join Coach Todd and Coach McDaniel in developing Kentucky golf into an elite program,” Cook said. “They both are outstanding men with resumes that speak for themselves. This is a dream opportunity for me and I can’t wait to help this program reach its full potential.”

July 12

STANFORD

Stanford has announced the hiring of Oliver Rubenstein as the Cardinal’s new assistant men’s coach. Rubenstein previously served as assistant women’s coach at Augusta University.

Prior to Augusta, Rubenstein spent five years at Bethany College in Kansas where he was the assistant coach for one year (2017-2018) and then transitioned to head coach for four years (2018-2022) for both the men’s and the women’s golf programs. Rubenstein was a member of the Bethany College men’s golf team from 2013-2017.

July 12

NEVADA

The Nevada men’s and women’s golf teams plan to hire full-time assistant coaches for the upcoming 2023-24 season.

Women’s coach Kathleen Takaishi has been with the Wolf Pack for the past 10 years, while men’s coach Trake Carpenter arrived prior to the start of the 2022-23 season.

Nevada competes in the Mountain West Conference.

July 11

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

The USC men’s golf program has hired Mark Hankins to serve as the next head coach of the Trojans, Interim Executive Administrator of Athletics Dr. Denise Kwok announced earlier this week.

“We are excited to welcome Mark Hankins to the Trojan Family,” said Dr. Kwok. “He is a proven winner on the course and a respected leader in the game and throughout the golf community. Mark brings a wealth of experience in both developing individual student-athletes for success on the course and as the architect of successful programs. He is familiar with the landscape of the Big Ten and is driven to lead our Trojans to both conference and national championships.”

Hankins comes to Troy from the University of Missouri where he served as a co-head coach of the Tigers’ men’s program for the last two years (2021-23). In his first season on staff, he helped lead Missouri to four tournament team titles and two individual titles, a program-best finish at the SEC Championship, and a milestone appearance at the NCAA Championship Regionals.

Under his guidance, Missouri finished stroke-play in fifth place at the SEC Championship, a program best, and advanced both years to match-play. The Tigers went on to earn their first back-to-back NCAA Championship Regional qualification in program history, marking Mizzou’s 15th appearance in the NCAA Championship.

Hankins’ career spans 20 seasons as a head coach, with stops at Nebraska (2018-21), Iowa (2007-14), Michigan State (1999-07), and Texas-Arlington (1997-99). He has led his squads to 13 NCAA Championship Regional appearances with four trips to the NCAA Championship Final. His teams have more than 30 NCAA DI tournament team titles. He is a two-time Big Ten Coach of the Year choice, earning the recognition in both 2005 and 2007 while with Michigan State.

Hankins played his college golf at Iowa State.

Off the golf course, Hankins has served in athletic administration roles and on the NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Committee (2016-20). He also served as President and Vice-President of the Golf Coaches Association of America for eight years (2006-14). In 2007, he was named the head golf coach of Team USA at the World University Games held in Bangkok, Thailand.

July 11

WASHINGTON

Chris Babcock, who played his college golf at the University of Washington, will join the Washington staff as an assistant coach. Babcock was a four-year letterman at UW, from 2013 through 2016, who went on to play on PGA Tour Canada following graduation.
 
“I’m excited to welcome Babs back to Montlake,” said head coach Alan Murray. “It is really great to have him back in the program and his passion for the game will be a huge benefit for our program. I arrived here after he had graduated, but the guys that were on the team that played with him always spoke highly of his ability, his passion for the game, his drive and competitiveness.”
  
Babcock returns to Seattle after having spent the 2022-23 season at Colorado State, where he helped the Rams to a fifth-place finish at the Auburn Regional, earning them a spot in the NCAA Championships.

July 11

ARIZONA STATE

Arizona State head coach Missy Farr-Kaye has announced the hiring of Mikayla Tatman as the next assistant coach at Arizona State.
 
“After an extensive national search, we are excited to announce Mikayla Tatman as the newest Assistant Coach of Sun Devil Women’s Golf,” said Farr-Kaye.
 
Tatman joins Arizona State after spending the past three seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Tulsa.
 
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to join the Sun Devil Family,” Tatman reflected. “Since my junior golf days, I’ve always had an incredible amount of respect for Coach Farr-Kaye and Arizona State Women’s Golf. The vision of this program is inspiring and I can’t wait to get to work and contend for National Championships. Forks Up!”
  
Before her time at Tulsa, Tatman spent two years as an assistant coach at the University of Denver, where she was an integral part of leading the Pioneers to a Summit League Conference Championship in 2019.

Tatman played collegiately at Colorado State University from 2011-16.

“She is one of the fastest-rising coaches in the industry because of her ability to build relationships and develop student-athletes on and off the course.” Farr-Kaye added. “Arizona State was the place she wanted to be. That made her the ideal fit for this role.”

July 11

UC DAVIS

Bill Montigel will join the UC Davis men’s golf coaching staff under head coach Cy Williamns after a 36-year career as the head coach at TCU.

The GCAA Hall of Fame (Golf Coaches Association of America) inductee is now the associate head coach entering the 2023-24 season.

“Having previously served as the head golf coach at TCU, Montigel’s impressive achievements and accolades make him an invaluable addition to our coaching staff,” Williams said. “I’ve competed in many events with Coach Montigel and his team, and besides consistently fielding one of the top teams in the country each year, I’m most impressed with the quality of people he recruits. It’s clear being around Bill how much his players love and respect him, and I’m really excited to give our players that same experience. To have, in my opinion, one of the top-five coaches in college golf join our staff is such a proud moment for UC Davis golf.”

TCU won eight conference titles during Montigel’s tenure and advanced to the NCAA Championships 18 times. He led TCU to 32 consecutive NCAA Regional appearances. This is a feat only 14 other programs have achieved, and only one program (Clemson) did it with the same head coach.

“I am really excited about this opportunity,” Montigel said. “Our TCU golf team has played in the El Maceco Classic and I absolutely love UC Davis. Cy has done an amazing job as head golf coach, and I will help in any way I can.”

July 11

LONG BEACH STATE

Long Beach State golf coach Rob Murray is looking for an assistant coach. The 49ers have increased the salary in hopes of making the position more attractive.

Reilly Hegarty, who joined the Long Beach State Men’s staff as an assistant coach for the 2022-23 season last summer, left his position to return to playing professionally. Hegarty played his college golf at NCAA Division III Whitworth in Spokane, Washington.

The 49ers finished the season ranked No. 60 in the Golfweek/Sagarin ratings and a T10th at the NCAA Las Vegas Regional.

July 11

PEPPERDINE

Pepperdine head golf coach, Laurie Gibbs, announced the hiring of Kacey Dalpes as the new assistant coach.

Dalpes joins the Waves after spending four seasons as the assistant golf coach at the University of Indianapolis, earning Division II Golf Pride Grips WGCA Assistant Coach of the Year honors in 2018 and 2020.

“We are very excited to have Kacey join our Waves family,” said Gibbs. “She has excellent experience as an assistant coach, swing instructor and PGA member since graduating from New Mexico State in 2016. Our program will benefit greatly from her coaching knowledge, especially from when she helped lead the UIndy team to a national championship. To be honored twice in three years as the DII assistant coach of the year validates that the Waves are very fortunate to add a talented coach.”

Most recently, Dalpes has served as a Golf Instructor at GOLFTEC, teaching daily and building on her knowledge of the golf swing. She became a Class A member of the PGA of America in 2018. Prior to that, she graduated from New Mexico State University and the PGA Golf Management program in the spring of 2017. While with the Aggies, she helped the team to three WAC Championships and three NCAA Regional appearances, before going on to set a school record by playing in and qualifying for 44 consecutive tournaments. She was a WGCA All-American Scholar and a WAC All-Academic honoree.Prior to her time at New Mexico State, Dalpes won three New Mexico High School District Championships and was a two-time New Mexico High School State Champion.

“I am so excited to be joining the Pepperdine women’s golf program,” said Dalpes. “I feel truly blessed with this amazing opportunity to work with Coach Gibbs at such a tremendous University, with great values and a track record of success. I can’t wait to meet the team and get started.”

July 6

INCARNATE WORD

The University of the Incarnate Word Athletics Department has named Thomas Kearney as the next head men’s golf coach. Kearney comes to UIW following a 10-year stint at St. Mary’s University where he coached both Men’s and Women’s programs to eight consecutive NCAA Division II Regional appearances.

Kearney started at St. Mary’s as an assistant coach in 2013 before moving to Director of Golf in 2016, leading both the men’s and women’s programs.

“I would like to thank UIW President Dr. Thomas M. Evans, Athletic Director Richard Duran, Senior Associate AD Kenyon Spears and the entire hiring committee for giving me this opportunity. I am very grateful to be here and am so excited to start. The foundations have been built for this program to excel and I’m eager to help further grow and develop the culture and identity so we can take UIW Men’s Golf to new, never imagined levels,” Kearney said. “I come in with a lot of expectations and know that some things may take a little time to establish but getting to work on all those small things is why I’m here. These small things will make all the big things happen so let’s get to work. This is just the beginning.”

July 6

KANSAS

Kansas head coach Jamie Bermel has announced the addition of Tony Blake to the men’s golf coaching staff. Blake joins the program as Associate Head Coach ahead of the 2023-24 season.

“We’re excited to bring Tony on as our new associate head coach,” Bermel said. “I had a lot of interest in this job, but I believe I found the right person. I have watched Tony for several years as a player and a coach, and I think he is a great fit for our team. He is a tireless recruiter, a very good instructor, and a great person.”

Blake comes to Lawrence after spending the last two years as the program director of First Tee Greater Kansas City. Prior to First Tee, Blake served as head coach of the men’s and women’s golf program at Park University in Missouri.

Before his time at Park, Blake served as assistant coach of the Wichita State men’s golf program, where he also played on the golf team from 1994-96. Prior to that, Blake was a member of the Butler County Community College golf team.

July 3

COLUMBUS STATE

The Columbus State University Athletics Department announced the hiring of Lee McCoy as the Director of Golf. As the Director of Golf, McCoy will serve as the head coach of the men’s and women’s golf programs.

McCoy played his college golf at the University of Georgia where he won seven individual titles. He was named the 2016 SEC Player of the Year, tabbed a three-time All-American and holds UGA’s record for the lowest career scoring average. McCoy also was the 2016 Haskins Award Runner-Up and was a member of the 2015 Walker Cup and the 2015 Palmer Cup.

He left in 2016 to pursue a professional golf career for four years. After pursuing his professional career, McCoy returned to UGA in 2022 to finish his degree, completing it in Spring 2023. Not only was he finishing school, but McCoy also served as a Student Assistant Coach for the Bulldogs for the 2022-23 season.

“I am truly honored to begin my career in collegiate coaching at CSU. The state of Georgia means the world to me, and the city of Columbus already feels like home,” said McCoy, who is from Dunedin, Fla. “I feel privileged to be a part of a golf program that has a record of being extremely competitive and am blessed to have access to a phenomenal private practice facility, as well as fantastic golf courses. I am fortunate to inherit a talented roster from Coach McMinn and look forward to helping the players reach their potential.”

July 3

UCLA

UCLA head coach Armen Kirakossian named Mason Banger as his assistant coach.

Banger arrives to Westwood with three and a half seasons of NCAA Division I and II coaching experience. Most recently, Banger spent Spring 2022 and the entire 2022-2023 season at Abilene Christian where he helped the Wildcats to the 2022 Western Athletic Conference Championship in their first year in the new league. It was also Abilene Christian’s first men’s golf conference title as a Division I program.

“I am very pleased to welcome Mason Banger to the Bruin Family,” Kirakossian said. “Mason is ready to get to work and help elevate UCLA golf back to the national stage. He has built a great reputation for being a high-character, hard-working and caring coach. Mason is going to make a large positive impact on our guys both as players and men. Welcome to Westwood Mason and Caroline Banger.”
  
Prior to Abilene Christian, Banger coached the 2020-2021 season at Louisiana. In the 2018-2019 campaign, Banger served as a graduate assistant at his alma mater Harding University (Division II) where he also played his college golf, competing at Harding from 2014-2018

July 3

HOUSTON CHRISTIAN

Former men’s golfer and assistant coach Jordan Jeffers is set to return to Houston Christian University, this time as the Huskies’ head women’s golf coach.

“My family and I are extremely excited to be back at Houston Christian,” said Jeffers. “We feel truly blessed that the Lord has led us back home. Thank you to Steve Moniaci and David Shuster for another incredible opportunity. To become a head coach at the university my wife and I played for is very special. HCU and the city of Houston have so much to offer student-athletes and their families. I can’t wait to continue the winning tradition that HCU has built over the years and help push the program to new heights.”
 
Jeffers spent five seasons, 2014-19, as HCU’s assistant men’s and women’s golf coach before taking the women’s head coach position at Charleston Southern during the summer of 2019. He also took on the men’s head coach position for the Buccaneers prior to the 2021-22 season. In 2022-23, Jeffers was named Big South Co-Coach of the Year after leading the men to a runner-up finish on the men’s side and coaching four all-conference selections between the men’s and women’s teams. In 2021-22, he led the men’s program to a Big South championship and an NCAA regional appearance.
  
In addition to coaching the Huskies, Jeffers spent two seasons as a member of the HCU men’s golf team and was named the Great West Conference Newcomer of the Year in 2009. He was an all-conference honoree that year and helped lead HCU to the GWC championship and was the individual runner-up at the conference championship.
 
“It’s great that we have the opportunity to bring Jordan Jeffers back home with us,” Shuster added. “He played on one of our conference championship teams and also coached multiple conference championship teams. He has an awesome eye for the game and is a very well-organized coach.”
 
Jeffers succeeds Shuster as the head of the women’s program and just the second head coach since 2008 when the program was restarted under Shuster’s leadership. Shuster now becomes Director of Golf and will remain the head men’s golf coach for the Huskies.

June 29

CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Summar Roachell, who is from Conway, Arkansas, has been named head women’s coach at the  University of Central Arkansas.

“We are extremely happy to be able to bring Coach Roachell back home,” said UCA’s director of athletics Dr. Brad Teague. “She is well known in our community, state, and in the national golfing community. Her success as a player has translated very well to collegiate coaching.

Roachell comes to UCA from the University of Central Florida, where she served as an assistant coach since June 2022. She is one of the most decorated golfers in Conway High School history, earning Class 7A medalist honors for four consecutive years. Roachell also played on the U.S. Junior Solheim Cup team.

She replaces Natasha Vincent, who resigned earlier this year to be a full-time mother after leading the program for 11 years.

“I am excited that our student-athletes get to work with someone of her character and caliber,” said Vincent. “She will step right into a great program that Coach (Natasha) Vincent nurtured and will continue our success.”

Roachell played four years professionally on the Symetra Tour after finishing her career at Arkansas in 2017. As a Razorback, she appeared in four NCAA regional tournaments and three NCAA national championship events.

“I am excited to be back in Conway as the head women’s golf coach at UCA,” said Roachell, “It is a special opportunity to have my first head coaching position be in my hometown. I am very grateful for Dr. Brad Teague and President Davis for this opportunity and their belief in me.

June 28

PENN STATE

Penn State has named Kristen Simpson as the head coach of the Penn State women’s golf team. Simpson replaces longtime coach Denise St. Pierre.

Simpson arrives at Penn State with more than 12 years of D-I coaching experience. She spent time as an assistant coach at Old Dominion (2011-14) and Maryland (2014-18), served as the associate head coach at North Carolina (2018-21) and was most recently the assistant coach at Wisconsin since July 2021.

Simpson played collegiately at Virginia, graduating in 2008.

June 26

PENN STATE

Penn State Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Patrick Kraft recently named former Nittany Lion golfer Mark Leon head coach. Leon returns to his alma after serving as the head coach at Florida Atlantic for the last two seasons.

In addition to his time as the head coach of the Owls, Leon’s coaching career has also seen him make assistant coaching stops at Florida (2017-21) and Penn State (2011-17).

“I want to thank Pat Kraft for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime to be the men’s golf coach at Penn State University,” said Leon. “For the past 22 years, the Penn State men’s golf program has been shaping my life. My teammates are still my best friends, my girlfriend Jaime became my wife and we have two beautiful children, Cameron and AJ. Athletically, Penn State gave me an opportunity to grow and compete at the highest levels of amateur golf, and ultimately enter the profession of coaching.

June 23

IOWA STATE

It’s official, Will Pearson has been named assistant golf coach at Iowa State.

Pearson joins the Cyclone staff after spending the last nine years at Memphis. He joined the Tiger staff in 2015 as a graduate assistant before moving into a full-time assistant coach role in 2017.

“I’m excited to welcome Will to Ames,” Tank said. “He’s experienced and will bring a fresh perspective to help us reach new levels of success. Will is a player’s coach, and I’m excited for the relationships he will build with our team and recruits.”

Pearson started his collegiate golf career at Arkansas before transferring to Memphis.

June 23

APPALACHIAN STATE

Appalachian State Director recently named Brittany Dabule head women’s coach.

Dabule spent the previous four seasons in Farmville, Va., as the head coach at Longwood University, which competes in the Big South Conference, after serving as the head coach at the University of South Carolina Beaufort for three seasons from 2017.

Longwood placed fifth at the Big South tournament in April to cap a 2022-23 season in which it recorded four top-five team finishes. During her three years at USC Beaufort, the Sand Sharks produced six All-America performances and made three consecutive NAIA national championship appearances, including back-to-back top-four national finishes in 2017 and 2018.

Dabule, who is from Hilton Head Island, S.C., played her college golf Winthrop University

“We are competing, in every sport, at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics,” App State Director of Athletics Doug Gillin said. “It’s really a great time to be a Mountaineer, and it’s super exciting when we’re able to bring in a head coach with that in mind and also somebody who shares that same vision.”

June 23

UTEP

UTEP Men’s Golf Head Coach Aaron Purtz has announced that Reece Nilsen has been hired as an assistant men’s and women’s golf coach. 
 
“We are so excited to welcome Reece Nilsen to the UTEP golf family,” Puetz said. “His experience as a player and coach will escalate the men’s and women’s programs to new heights. Reece’s ability to relate and communicate to our student-athletes will be a great advantage. The Century Club’s fundraising efforts made this possible, and we can’t thank them enough for this opportunity to enhance our coaching staff. Go Miners!” 
 
Nilsen brings in a full season of coaching as he was most recently a volunteer assistant at Northern Colorado last season. The Bears won the Big Sky Conference championship, their first since 2019 at Talking Stick Golf Club this past April.

Nilsen played his college golf at Northern Illinois finishing his career after the 2021-22. Nilsen transferred to Grand Canyon where he played for a semester before the season was cut short due to COVID.

June 22

TULSA

Former Kansas State associate head coach for women’s golf Jared Helin was named assistant women’s golf coach at the University of Tulsa.

“We’re excited to have Jared and his family join our golf program and the Tulsa community. Jared is a great coach and teacher. Our players know him very well from interactions when we’ve competed against Kansas State. I believe Jared will be a great asset for our golfers and our program,” said head coach Annie Young.

Helin arrives at Tulsa after spending the past six seasons (2017-23) at Kansas State, where he spent his first five years as an assistant coach and the 2022-23 campaign as associate head coach.

June 21

MEMPHIS

It what continues to be the year of the assistant coaches, Will Pearson is leaving his position as assistant coach at Memphis. Pearson joined the program as a graduate assistant coach in January 2015 and was promoted to full-time assistant in 2017.

Pearson, who played his college golf at the Memphis, is expected to be named the new assistant coach at Iowa State in the coming weeks. The Tigers finished the 2022-23 season ranked No. 79 in the Golfweek/Sagarin Rankings.

Memphis head coach Blake Smart is looking to replace Pearson.

June 21 

NORTH CAROLINA

Matt Clark, North Carolina’s associate head coach, is retiring from college golf coaching to spend more time with his wife, Erica, and two young children. Clark arrived at UNC six years ago after nine seasons as head coach at UNCW.

“Coach Clark is an amazing coach and, more importantly, an incredible person, mentor and friend,” head coach Andrew DiBitetto said. “For six years he helped our guys develop on and off the course, with the latter being more significant. As coaches, we are expected to win tournaments but it’s also our responsibility to develop young men. Coach Clark was a champion at this. He had countless impactful conversations with our student-athletes about life and he’s phenomenal at knowing when to push someone and when to put an arm around them. Our successes would not have been the same without Clarkie. He and I talk often about leaving Carolina Golf better than we found it and, without a doubt, he has made Carolina Golf so much better. We thank him for his impact, passion, fire and love. We’ll miss interacting and competing with him on a daily basis.”

Clark won four conference Coach of the Year awards as a head coach (twice each at Georgia State and UNCW) and played a key role as DiBitetto earned ACC Coach of the Year honors in 2022 and 2023. His teams won five conference championships and competed in nine NCAA regionals during his 14-year tenure as a head coach.

“It has been a tremendous privilege to work with young men chasing their dreams the past 26 years,” says Clark, who also was an assistant coach at his alma mater, Alabama, for six seasons, and head coach at Georgia State for five. “I’ve been blessed to share so many amazing experiences along the way, and the last six years here at UNC have truly been special to my family. I will be forever grateful to Coach DiBitetto for giving us this opportunity.”

June 20

SOUTH ALABAMA

South Alabama announced earlier this spring Marcelo Huarte as the women’s head golf coach. He replaces Matt Luther, who resigned at the end of the season in order to pursue personal opportunities outside collegiate athletics.

Huarte arrives in Mobile after serving as the assistant women’s golf coach at Miami  this past season. Prior to his time with the Hurricanes, Huarte served as the head men’s and women’s golf coach at Lynn University in 2021-22.

His first role as a head coach came as the women’s head coach at Lynn in 2018 before taking over coaching both teams. Huarte broke into the collegiate ranks as an assistant coach at Barry.

South Alabama finished the 2022-23 season ranked No. 132 in the Golfweek/Sagarin rankings.

June 19

KANSAS

Kansas men’s golf coach Jamie Bermel has announced that associate head coach Chris Wilson has resigned to pursue opportunities outside of college athletics.

Wilson teamed with Bermel for the past seven years for an unprecedent run that included seven straight at-large bids to NCAA Regionals, two National Championship appearances and 45 Top 5 finishes.

“Coach Wilson has decided to leave the coaching profession, and he will be sorely missed,” Bermel said. “He was a big part of our success in every aspect of our program. We made it to regionals every year he was on staff, two NCAA finals appearances and several team and individual wins. I am going to miss working every day with him. He was a pro at his job, and a loyal, dear friend. The seven-plus year run we had together was truly remarkable. I am really excited for him and his family and know he will do great things in the business world.”

Wilson joined Bermel and the Jayhawks in January of 2016 after six seasons as an assistant at Air Force. He also served as an assistant at Coastal Carolina and McNeese State, while serving as the head coach at both McNeese and Louisiana Monroe.

June 16

COLGATE

Keith Tyburski is stepping down from his role as head golf coach at Colgate to accept the same position at Yale.

Tyburski was the 2022 Patriot League Coach of the Year and placed his team in the top half of the final standings at the Patriot League Championship in three of the last four years. Tyburski spent the last 13 years at Colgate, culminating in matching a program best second-place finish at the 2023 Patriot League Championship and producing four individuals on the All-Patriot League team.

A national search for Colgate’s next men’s golf coach will begin immediately, according to Yariv Amir, the interim vice president and director of athletics.

June 16

EMORY

Emory University has named Liz Fernandes as the next head coach of the women’s golf program. Fernandes joins the Eagles after a stint as assistant coach with Louisville during the 2022-23 season.

Fernandes takes over for Katie Futcher who recently resigned. Emory placed fifth at the 2023 NCAA Div. III Championship.

“I’m thrilled to join the Emory family and be given the opportunity to head the Women’s golf program,” said Fernandes. “I want to thank Keiko for putting her faith in me to lead the program and Katie Futcher for making such a successful program as my predecessor. I look forward to the challenge of following in her footsteps, winning championships and upholding our high level of academic excellence.”

Prior to her time with the Cardinals, Fernandes spent time as a golf fitness specialist and teaching professional at notable courses around the country including The Quarry in La Quinta, California and Scarsdale Golf Club in Hartsdale, New York.

In addition to her time at Louisville, Fernandes has coaching stops at Spalding and North Carolina at Pembroke where she focused on redesigning the practice plan, analyzing tournament statistics and administration, and improving recruitment. She is a 2012 graduate of Northern Kentucky.

June 14

LOUISVILLE

Louisville women’s head coach Whitney Young has announced that former SMU assistant coach and five-year collegiate golfer Addie Baggarly has been named assistant coach for the Cardinals.

With five years of NCAA Division I golf experience, Baggarly played four seasons at Florida and one season at Baylor from 2017-2022.

She competed in the 2021 Augusta Women’s Amateur and the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open.

June 12

TCU

Coming off TCU’s first back-to-back NCAA National Championship appearances since 2007-08, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Jeremiah Donati announced a contract extension for head women’s golf coach Angie Ravaioli-Larkin through the 2025-26 season. She has led the program to 18 postseason appearances since the 2001-02 season.

“I am so grateful for the support and loyalty TCU has shown me over the years. I am honored and thrilled to continue my journey as a proud member of our prestigious FrogFam!” said Ravaioli-Larkin.

With Ravaoili-Larkin at the helm, the program has seen 26 NCAA postseason appearances, as well as 20 tournament wins during her time in Fort Worth. Ravaioli-Larkin is the longest-tenured head coach at TCU, having finished her 28th season with the Horned Frogs.

“I could not be happier as I am truly blessed to coach some of the best players in the world, have amazing support from our prestigious Fort Worth golf courses, and work alongside the best coaches and support staff in college athletics.”

June 9

ARKANSAS

Adrien Mork has been named associate head coach at Arkansas. Mork spent the past six years at TCU.

“I am excited to welcome Adrien to the Razorback golf family,” Arkansas head coach Brad McMakin said. “He has built a reputation over the years for his recruiting acumen worldwide and his ability to develop players. He is very detail-oriented and is a great technician. Adrien is one of the best in the business and he will be a great addition to our program.”

Mork was an assistant with the Horned Frogs for his first two years (2017-19) before being promoted to associate head coach for the last four seasons (2019-23). Prior to TCU, Mork was assistant coach at UCF for two seasons (2015-17).

Mork played collegiately at McNeese State University from 2001-2004.

June 8

Texas A&M

Austin Ernst won an NCAA Championship at Texas A&M’s home course, and now she’s headed to College Station to begin a new career. The three-time LPGA winner announced during her pre-tournament press conference at the ShopRite LPGA Classic that she has accepted a job as an assistant coach at A&M.

“I’m sad to step away from professional golf full time,” said Ernst, “but it’s health-wise what I have to do.”

Ernst hasn’t played an LPGA event in 14 months after suffering a neck injury. The 31-year-old said she didn’t realize the seriousness of the injury at first, thinking she’d only miss a couple tournaments.

June 8

TCU

Recently hired TCU head men’s golf coach Bill Allcorn has named TCU Alum Cole Buck as associate head coach.

Buck, who played his college golf at TCU and graduated in 2017, returns home after two and a half seasons as the assistant coach at Stanford.

“I could not be happier with Coach Buck joining the Frogs as associate head coach,” said Allcorn. “As a former player and alumni, he has a deep love for TCU and wants to see our program reach new heights. We share the same vision of how to build the program and we can’t wait to make it happen.”

Prior to Stanford, Buck served as the assistant coach at Lipscomb (2019-20) and was the head coach at Wagner (2017-19). He also served as head men’s and women’s junior varsity golf coach and varsity assistant coach at Trinity Valley High School in Fort Worth.

June 8

MIDDLEBURY

Middlebury’s Bill Mandigo has resigned as women’s golf coach but will continue in his role as the head women’s ice hockey coach, a position he has held since 1988. Middlebury is an NCAA Division III school located in Middlebury, Vermont

Mandigo was named the head coach of the women’s golf program in the fall of 2008. During his tenure, Mandigo led the team to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances.

This allows for both the women’s golf and women’s ice hockey programs to have dedicated head coaches.

Middlebury has begun a national search for the next head coach of women’s golf.

Also, it was announced this past spring Middlebury head men’s golf coach Bill Beaney will retire at the conclusion of the 2022-23 academic year. Beaney spent 36 years coaching at Middlebury.

June 7

USC

USC announced late Wednesday that men’s golf coach J.T. Higgins has resigned.

Higgins led the Trojans for the last three seasons. They finished 10th in the Pac-12 last season. Prior to coaching at USC, Higgins was the head coach at Texas A&M (2002-2020) as well as New Mexico (1998-2001). Before that, he was the assistant at UNLV for six seasons.

J.T. Higgins resigns as USC Men’s Golf Head Coach. https://t.co/L67SOnAQLR

— USC Men’s Golf (@USCMensGolf) June 7, 2023

June 6

NORTH TEXAS

North Texas is expected to name Luke Calcatera head men’s golf coach this week. Calcatera, who was named head coach at North Alabama last June, is a native of Keller, Texas, less than one hour from the North Texas Campus in Denton.

Prior to North Alabama, Calcatera built the Arkansas Tech men’s golf program into one of the top programs in NCAA Division II golf. They won the 2021 NCAA Division II Men’s Golf National Championship. He took Arkansas Tech to ten straight NCAA Regional appearances, with six trips to the NCAA Championship and his team advanced to NCAA finals match play five times.

He was named the 2021 Division II National Coach of the Year and was a six-time Great American Conference Coach of the Year.

Calcatera replaces Brad Stracke, who resigned in May. The Mean Green finished the 2022-23 season ranked No. 103 in the Golfweek/Sagarin Rankings.

June 5

MIAMI

University of Miami head golf coach Janice Olivencia announced the addition of assistant coach Jim Garren to the golf coaching staff.

A 14-year coaching veteran, Garren joins the Miami staff after most recently serving as the Coastal Carolina head men’s golf coach from 2017-22.

“I’m very excited to welcome Jim Garren to the U family,” Olivencia said. “Coach Garren not only brings a wealth of experience in coaching at a national level, but also the ability to recruit the best players in the world. His drive, attention to detail and passion towards helping develop student-athletes is fundamental for our program moving forward. I am excited to get started as we share a vision to build this program back to prominence.”

In his five years at Coastal Carolina, Garren led his teams to five team tournament titles and an appearance in NCAA Regional play.

“I would like to thank Janice for the opportunity to be a Cane,” Garren said. “Her passion for the sport, the student-athletes and the University of Miami made it clear early on that she is someone I want to work with. She is an extremely talented coach and her desire to make Miami great is leading to a very bright future in Coral Gables.”

Prior to his time at Coastal Carolina, Garren spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Oklahoma, helping the Sooners to three-straight NCAA Championship appearances and the 2017 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship title. Garren joined the Oklahoma staff after a one-year stint as the assistant coach at the University of New Mexico. Before New Mexico, Garren spent five seasons as the assistant men’s golf coach and director of recruiting at Southern Mississippi.

Garren, who is from The Cartersville, Georgia, began his collegiate golfing career as a member of the Wallace State Junior College team in 2003. While at Wallace State, he helped lead the team to a No. 3 national ranking in NJCAA Division I. Garren then transferred to Kennesaw State.

The Cartersville, Georgia, native was a three-time Georgia High School State Champion at Cartersville High School. He was a two-time qualifier for the Atlanta Open and earned alternate status through qualifying for the 2005 U.S. Open.

DELAWARE

Delaware Director of Golf Patty Post is looking to add an assistant men’s coach to her staff. Staying in line with the new guideline that allows three coaches per team, The Blue Hens will add a fourth coach to the men and women programs that Post oversees.

Delaware already has on staff associate head coach for both the men and the women in Brendon Post and also Jackie Mullens will serve as assistant coach for the women. The new spot would serve as assistant coach with the men.

GEORGIA SOUTHERN

Georgia Southern golf coach Mimi Burke has announced that Mia Kness has joined the staff as an assistant coach.

“I’m so excited to get Mia back home to the Boro,” said Burke. “Mia brings a lot of love for Georgia Southern, knowledge and experience that will help our team continue on its path to the national stage. I’m looking forward to the start of her new career and what we can accomplish together.”

Kness, who transferred to Georgia Southern from Seton Hall, helped lead the Eagles to the 2022 Sun Belt Championship by tying for second in the conference championship, her best finish as an Eagle. She was named the 2021-22 Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year and Sun Belt Championship All-Tournament after competing in the lineup in all 11 tournaments and helping the Eagles to two team wins and three runner-up finishes.

“It’s an honor and privilege to be back at Georgia Southern,” said Kness. “I can’t thank Coach Mimi enough for giving me this opportunity to be a part of the team. I can’t wait to get the ball rolling and get back to Statesboro.”

June 4

IOWA STATE

Iowa State head coach Andrew Tank is looking for an assistant coach. Tank has confirmed Ruben Sondjaja is leaving his position at Iowa State to become the assistant coach at Illinois.

Sondjaja, who played his college for the Cyclones, just completed his second year in Ames as the assistant coach.

Sondjaja is replacing Illinois assistant Justin Bardgett, who is said to be leaving Illinois to join the staff at PGA Tour University.

June 2

OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma men’s golf coach Ryan Hybl has announced that Jonathan Moore has been named the program’s Associate Head Coach and Director of Performance.

Moore, the 2006 individual NCAA Champion for Oklahoma State, comes to Norman after playing professionally and six years leading the strength, conditioning and development program for the Oklahoma State men’s and women’s golf programs.

“Jonathan Moore has always been a leader on the forefront of the golf world,” Hybl said. “He will add so much expertise to our program – from playing at the highest level of our game to all of his knowledge and research of body movement in golf. He’ll be an incredible presence on the recruiting trail and play a significant part in the continued development of our current players. Coach Moore will immediately add value to our program, and we’re both excited to get started.”

June 1

KENTUCKY

Chip McDaniel is the new assistant men’s golf coach at Kentucky, a move announced by new head coach Gator Todd.

McDaniel, who played for the Wildcats and graduated in 2018, comes to Lexington after a year as an assistant coach for the men’s and women’s golf programs at Eastern Kentucky.

“We could not be more excited to welcome Chip back to Lexington as our assistant coach,” Todd said. “Chip is a high-character guy who cares deeply about Kentucky golf and is committed to helping elevate our program. He brings a great deal of playing experience from his days as a Wildcat and as a professional that will relate very well to our guys.”

Prior to his time at Eastern Kentucky, McDaniel spent four years playing professionally, making 43 starts on the Korn Ferry Tour and 11 on the PGA Tour.

May 28

WASHINGTON & LEE

Washington and Lee Michael F. Walsh Director of Athletics Jan Hathorn has announced the hiring of Jane Hopkinson-Wood as the head women’s golf coach and Assistant Professor of Physical Education.

Hopkinson-Wood just led Centre College to a 10th place finish at the NCAA Div. III Women’s Golf Championships. She had been at Centre College since January 2019.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jane to the W&L,” said Hathorn. “Her demonstrated success, as a coach and player, at the highest levels of DIII, as well as her understanding of the importance of academics for our student-athletes, are just a few reasons why Jane is the best choice for W&L’s women’s golfers and the future of our women’s golf program.”

Prior to Centre, Hopkinson-Wood played collegiately at Wittenberg University and the only four-time All-American in program history. She capped her senior campaign off with a third-place finish at the 2018 NCAA Championships. She was named the Southern Athletic Conference Coach of the Year the last three seasons.

“I am excited and honored to serve as the next head women’s golf coach at Washington and Lee,” Hopkinson-Wood said. “I would like to thank Director of Athletics Jan Hathorn, Dean Kimber, along with the entire search committee for giving me this incredible opportunity to lead this program. With the strong foundation that is present here, the potential is limitless.”

Hathorn added, “Her grasp of the D-III model, of being a member of the greater whole, will make her a great addition to our department and campus community. I look forward to serving beside Jane for many years to come.”

Centre College is now looking for a head coach to replace Hopkinson-Wood.

May 28

EMORY

Following five seasons as the head coach of the Emory University women’s golf program, Katie Futcher has announced her retirement. Futcher was named the first head coach in program history in the summer of 2018.

Emory finished in fifth place at the 2023 NCAA Division III Championship.

Emory won the program’s first-ever NCAA Championship in 2022 and saw her teams finished inside the top-seven a total of three times at the NCAA Championships. Ellen Dong won the individual national championship in 2022 – becoming the first woman in school history to win an individual national championship. The Eagles won 11 tournaments during her tutelage and spent 41 weeks as the No. 1 team in the country over her final two seasons.

Prior to Emory, Futcher was part of the James Madison coaching staff during the 2017-18 season after one year as a volunteer assistant coach with her alma mater Penn State. Futcher played on the LPGA following her career at Penn State.

A national search is underway for the next head coach of the program.

May 28

NORTH TEXAS

Brad Stracke has left his position as head men’s golf coach at North Texas to pursue other opportunities.

“I am grateful for Brad’s commitment to our student-athletes during his time as head coach at UNT,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Jared Mosley. “I am thankful for him leading our program and wish him all the best moving forward.”

Stracke recently completed his 15th season leading the Mean Green after taking over in December 2008. He won two conference Coach of the Year honors led North Texas to a fourth-place finish at the 2023 Conference USA Championship.

A national search for his replacement will begin immediately.

May 27

LONG BEACH STATE

Long Beach State golf coach Robb Murray is looking for an assistant coach.

Reilly Hegarty, who joined the Long Beach State Men’s staff as an assistant coach for the 2022-23 season last summer, is leaving his position. Hegarty played his college golf at NCAA Division III Whitworth in Spokane, Washington, is going to return to playing professionally.

The 49ers finished the season with an NCAA Regional appearance finishing T10 at the NCAA Las Vegas Regional.

May 25

UCLA

UCLA has announced Alicia Um Holmes as the next head coach of the women’s golf team. Um Holmes, who spent the last 17 years as an assistant and associate head coach for the Bruins, becomes the fifth head coach in the program’s history. Carrie Forsyth announced her retirement earlier this spring.

“I am excited, honored and humbled to be given the opportunity to be the next leader of our women’s golf program,” Um Holmes said. “Most of my adult life has been at UCLA living the dream, and to be able to continue to do so as head coach is surreal.

Following the 2013-14 season, Um Holmes was voted the WGCA Assistant Coach of the Year.

Um Holmes played her college golf at UCLA from 1997-2002, playing three seasons under Forsyth and one year for UCLA Athletic Hall of Famer Jackie Steinmann before graduating with a degree in economics. Um earned All-Pac-10 Honorable Mention accolades when she tied for 12th place at the Pac-10 Championship her senior season in 2002.

“A special thank you to my mentor, coach and friend, Carrie Forsyth, who has been my champion and who I owe everything to. I look forward to the challenge of following her footsteps, winning championships and upholding our high level of academic excellence.”

May 23

PENN STATE

Penn State men’s golf coach Greg Nye has announced his retirement after 31 years as the leader of the Nittany Lions. Nye is the longest-tenured coach in Penn State men’s golf history.

Prior to his time at Penn State, Nye served for eight years as head coach of the Bowling Green State University men’s and women’s golf teams. Nye, who was the 1987 Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year, started his career at Penn State in August 1992.

“I have so many fantastic memories and stories with my teams and fellow coaches,” said Nye. “The centennial celebration of Penn State golf last fall definitely created a wonderful setting for us all to share these memories and create a few more. I am so grateful for the efforts of many who have made our program shine through the years in competition, and in the classroom. I believe we did it all the right way and I am very proud of all we achieved. The program has been left on good footing for new leadership. I wish nothing but success for the current team and coaching staff going forward.”

Highlights of Nye’s career include leading the Nittany Lions to five NCAA Finals appearances, 22 NCAA Regional team appearances, and twice qualifying individuals. This past April, he recorded a milestone 75 tournament championships in winning the 2023 Rutherford Intercollegiate.

“Congratulations to Greg Nye  on his retirement as his storied career comes to a close after 31 years at Penn State,” said Penn State Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Patrick Kraft. “Greg elevated the Penn State men’s golf program to a Northeastern power while leading with integrity, class, and always valuing a true student-athlete experience. He has made a profound impact in the lives of so many. We wish Greg and his family nothing but the best in retirement.”

 A 1979 graduate of the College of Wooster (Ohio), Nye earned All-America honors each of his four years. Nye and his teammates captured the first-ever NCAA Division III Golf Championship in 1975. He is a member of the College of Wooster’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

May 22

TCU

TCU Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Jeremiah Donati has announced the hiring of Bill Allcorn as Head Men’s Golf Coach.

Allcorn was on staff at Oklahoma the last six years, the first five as an assistant coach before being promoted to associate head coach in 2022. Prior to Oklahoma, Allcorn spent two seasons as a volunteer assistant men’s golf coach with Baylor. He also worked with Baylor’s women’s program in the spring of 2017.

“I could not be more excited to welcome Bill Allcorn and his family to TCU,” said Donati. “We conducted a national search and vetted a number of exceptional candidates with strong credentials, which speaks to the strong foundation Coach Bill Montigel has built and the opportunity in front of us. Coach Allcorn’s vision for our program is ambitious and inspiring and is aligned with TCU’s goals and values.  He is the perfect fit to lead our men’s golf program moving forward.”

The 2021 Jan Strickland National Assistant Coach of the Year, Allcorn has helped Oklahoma climb to the top of college golf. This season, OU won its second-straight Big 12 Championship and advanced to the NCAA Championships for the 12^th-straight season. With Allcorn’s assistance, OU has won three Big 12 Championships, advanced to NCAA match play in all five years that a postseason has been held and won 25 tournament titles.

“My family and I could not be more excited to come to Fort Worth and have this great opportunity at TCU,” said Allcorn. “We are grateful that Jeremiah Donati believed in our vision and has given us the chance to lead the men’s golf program. We have loved our six years in Norman and can’t thank Coach Ryan Hybl, our players and support staff enough for the friendship and memories. The good Lord knew exactly where we needed to be to prepare us for where we are going. We are excited to finish off the 2023 season with the Sooners and then call TCU home.”

As a golfer, Allcorn, who is from Abilene, Texas, played professionally for eight years.

Allcorn played his college golf at Baylor. He competed in 38 tournaments during his career, claiming a title at the Bill Hill Invitational and finishing as runner-up in the 2009 Big 12 Championship.

May 20

KANSAS STATE

Kansas State head coach Kristi Knight, who has guided the Wildcats since the fall of 1995, has announced she will step away from her position to pursue other professional opportunities.

“I’m so thankful for my time at K-State and have enjoyed it so much, but it is time for something new for myself and for the program,” Knight said. “There are a lot of great people at K-State, which is the reason why I’ve stayed for as long as I have. I am thankful for all the players I have had the opportunity to coach and for our current associate head coach Jared Helin; he is a great coach and a great person. This is a really special place, and I will always help K-State in any way I can.”

All five program appearances in NCAA Regionals (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2017) and four individual berths have come with Knight at the helm.

Kansas State finished the regular season ranked No. 93 in the Golfweek/Sagarin rankings.

A national search for a new head coach will begin immediately.

May 20

Missouri

Missouri has named Cabe Waters assistant women’s coach.

Waters spent the past two years at Georgia Southern, which won six tournaments during his time there including a win at the 2022 Sun Belt Championship and an appearance in the NCAA Regional.

“I would like to thank Coach Westrup for this opportunity,” Waters said. “She has a great vision for this program, a vision that I want to be a part of. I know the best is yet to come and I am excited to start building new relationships with this team. Mizzou is a special place and I can’t wait to get to work.”

Prior to his time at Georgia Southern, Waters spent four years at his alma mater, Limestone, as an assistant men’s and women’s golf coach. During his tenure on the coaching staff, the Saints won 17 tournament titles and three conference championships, while advancing to five NCAA regionals with two National Championship Match Play appearances. During the 2021 championship, the Limestone women’s program finished first in the stroke play championship and earned the No. 1 overall seed for match play.

“I am super excited to add Cabe as my new assistant coach,” said head coach Caroline Westrup. “Cabe has all the qualities that I’m looking for in an assistant and most importantly, he shares my vision for the program. Cabe has had a lot of success already as an assistant and we’re looking forward to adding his experience at Mizzou. We’re all very excited to have him here in Columbia soon.”

May 17

CENTRAL ARKANSAS

University of Central Arkansas women’s golf coach Natasha Vincent has resigned her position to become a full-time mother. Vincent, who started at Central Arkansas in 2012, had her first child, a daughter, in early January.

“I look forward to my new journey with my daughter, Evan, while continuing my career as a private instructor and AimPoint trainer.”

Vincent, , who grew up in Jacksonville, Ark., and played collegiately at Southern Mississippi, was named the 2015 Southland Conference Coach of the Year.

“It has been such a rewarding 11 years here at UCA,” said Vincent. “I truly believe this program will continue to grow and move on to win championships. A big thank you to (UCA athletic director) Dr. Brad Teague for taking a chance on me in 2012, entrusting me with this program and for allowing me to travel the world to recruit student-athletes to represent this university. You have changed my life and my perspective.

Central Arkansas athletic director Brad Teague has said a search for a new women’s golf coach will begin immediately.

“Coach Vincent has elevated our women’s golf program significantly in the decade she has led this program,” said Teague. “We are so very thankful and proud that she was a Bear. We are very happy for her in the decision to be a full-time mom. We will miss her but know she will still be around our program.”

May 16

ARIZONA STATE

After seven seasons on the Sun Devils coaching staff, Associate Head Coach Michelle Estill has announced her retirement from Arizona State.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity Coach Missy Farr-Kaye and Arizona State University has given me for the last seven years,” said Estill. “I bleed Maroon and Gold and will be a Sun Devil for Life. I feel fortunate to be a part of the tradition and excellence of the Sun Devil Women’s Golf program and work in this amazing athletic department. I have learned so much about coaching under the leadership of Coach Farr-Kaye, but more importantly, she’s helped me grow as a person. I’m thankful for all the student-athletes who let me be a part of their journey. They had an extremely positive impact on my life. I made some wonderful memories that I will cherish forever.”

Estill was hired in November of 2016. She helped Arizona State win the 2017 NCAA title later that year. Her first four years were spent as an assistant before being promoted to Associate Head Coach in June of 2020, a position she held for the past three years.

Farr-Kaye has said she will do a nationwide-search to find an assistant coach.

May 4

EAST CAROLINA

East Carolina University athletic director Jon Gilbert announced a restructuring in the men’s and women’s golf programs with the promotion of Kevin Williams as the Director of Golf. 

 “When we looked at where both golf programs are now and where they can be in the future, we strongly feel Kevin Williams is the right individual to lead us forward,” said Gilbert. “As a North Carolina native, Kevin understands and appreciates what it means to be a Pirate. He has exactly the skills and vision we are looking for. He is committed to academic excellence and integrity and has a proven track record of being able to recruit and develop student-athletes at the highest level. This alignment will strengthen both programs.”

Williams, who returned to ECU in June of 2021 as the men’s head coach, will also oversee the women’s program as the full-time head coach and owns a combined 24-plus years of head coaching experience at East Carolina. He will also serve as head coach for the men’s program as well.

Williams, who is from Littleton, N.C., served as East Carolina’s head men’s golf coach from 1995 to 2005 and led the women’s program on two separate occasions from 2000-05 and again from 2006-19. Williams started the East Carolina women’s program from scratch in the fall of 2000.

May 7

KENTUCKY

Gator Todd, current associate head coach at Vanderbilt, will be the new head coach of the Kentucky men’s golf team, director of athletics Mitch Barnhart announced Saturday.

Todd is in his sixth season at Vanderbilt. Working alongside head coach Scott Limbaugh, Todd has helped lead Vanderbilt to four top-10 finishes at the NCAA Championships, the first two NCAA Regional championships in school history and two Southeastern Conference wins.

“First, I’d like to thank Mitch Barnhart for believing in me and my vision for Kentucky men’s golf,” Todd said. “This is a dream scenario for my family and me, we could not be more excited to plant our roots in Lexington. I believe in this state and I believe in Kentucky golf. There is so much talent here and I believe we can build something special. I can’t wait to get to work.”

Vanderbilt is ranked No. 1 in the nation heading into its NCAA Regional, set for May 15-17 at Auburn.

Prior to his time in Nashville, Todd, who is from Florence, Alabama, spent one season as the assistant coach at Marquette and five years playing professionally. He played college golf at Alabama under head coach Jay Seawell from 2004-08. Todd was a first-team All-SEC selection while notching 14 top-10 finishes in 44 tournaments. He played in three NCAA Championships.

April 27

WESTERN KENTUCKY

Chan Metts has resigned as Western Kentucky men’s golf coach.

“I’ve decided that it is in the best interest for myself and my family to take a step away from this position,” said Metts. “I have enjoyed being the head coach at Western Kentucky for the last five seasons, and I want to thank all of the players who came alongside me in that time. I was welcomed with open arms in a tough situation, and I appreciate that to this day. We took WKU Men’s Golf to places it had never been before, and I will always be proud of that accomplishment.”

Western Kentucky recently finished ninth in the Conference USA Championship. The Hilltoppers’ best conference finish under Metts was a six-place finish in 2019 with three individuals tying for 10th overall.

“We thank Chan for his dedication to our program over the last five years,” athletic director Todd Stewart said.  “We wish him all the best with his future endeavors.”

Metts also coached Hilltopper greats Billy Tom Sargent and Stuart Easton to individual NCAA Regional appearances in 2019. Sargent became the first Hilltopper to ever advance to the NCAA Championship where he tied for 11th in the nation.

Before his time at Western Kentucky, Metts spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Georgia Southern.

Western Kentucky has announced a national search for Metts’ replacement has begun.

April 26

KENTUCKY

Brian Craig, head men’s golf coach at the University of Kentucky, has resigned to pursue other opportunities, announced Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart.

Craig has been the head coach at Kentucky for 22 seasons, beginning with the 2001-02 school year. Craig’s Wildcats won the SEC Championship in 2005, Kentucky’s only league title in men’s golf history.

“I’m grateful for Brian’s commitment to the program and his leadership of our student-athletes during his time here,” Barnhart said. “I am thankful for the accomplishments on the course and in the classroom and wish him the best in the future.”

Craig, who played his college golf at Florida and later was an assistant coach for the Gators, started his coaching career at the University of Central Florida before arriving in Lexington.

“It has been the honor and privilege of a lifetime to coach the Kentucky men’s golf team for the last 22 years,” Craig said. “We have accomplished quite a few monumental achievements in that timeframe but that is absolutely not what has made it all worthwhile.

“The lifelong relationships that I have forged with my players, their families, my assistant coaches, our friends of the program and all the extraordinary people here at the University of Kentucky has enriched my life beyond what words can describe.  As I leave to pursue a new path, my family and I will forever be grateful for this adventure and the memories that are permanently ingrained in my heart.  Thank you, Big Blue Nation.”

Kentucky has announced it will begin a national search for a new head coach.

April 24

UCLA

After 24 seasons as the head women’s golf coach at UCLA, Carrie Forsyth is calling it a career.

The longtime Bruins’ leader announced Monday she is retiring at season’s end. Forsyth will take on a newly-created role as a special assistant to The Alice and Nahum Lainer Family Director of Athletics Martin Jarmond.

To read more on Forsyth’s retirement, click here.

February 21

GEORGIA

Andrea Gaston has joined the Georgia women’s golf program as a volunteer coach. Gaston, who won three NCAA team titles and coached five NCAA individual champions at Southern California, will work with the Bulldogs while assistant coach Ember Holloway is on maternity leave. Georgia head coach Josh Brewer worked with Gaston while he served as an assistant coach for Southern California’s women’s and men’s golf programs from 2008-12 before becoming the Bulldogs’ head coach.

Gaston spent 22 seasons at USC from 1996-2018, where she also won four Pac-12 titles and was named Pac-12 and National Coach of the Year three times. Gaston spent three seasons as the head coach at Texas A&M from 2018-21.

“I’d like to duplicate the success we had together at USC and maybe even go one step further,” Brewer said. “We had some amazing runs at the national championships. We look at it as we’re adding truly one of the three greatest coaches in women’s college golf. We’re very excited to have those ears and eyes as part of our program. And when Ember comes back, it gives us three amazing coaches for the most important part of the year.”

Gaston is a 2010 inductee into the Women’s Golf Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame.

February 14

SAN DIEGO STATE

San Diego State coach Ryan Donovan has signed a five-year contract that runs through the 2027-28 season. The new pact comes after the Aztecs played in their 17th NCAA regional last spring out of 19 chances under Donovan.
 
Now in his 20th season leading SDSU, Donovan has coached the Aztecs to seven NCAA championship appearances, highlighted by a fifth-place tie at nationals in 2012. In his career at San Diego State, he has seen his teams earn 17 NCAA regional bids and won 36 team titles. The Aztecs have won conference titles in 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2021.

“I look forward to continuing to lead the men’s golf program here at San Diego State,” Donovan said. “I am thankful that I have the complete support of John David Wicker and the administration, as well as the SDSU alumni and San Diego community. We’re going to continue to compete at the highest level, fighting for league titles and excelling in the classroom. I am an “Aztec for Life,” and there’s no place I’d rather be than San Diego State.”
 
Donovan, who is from Yorba Linda, California, received Mountain West Coach of the Year recognition on three occasions and was twice named a finalist for the Dave Williams Award, which is handed out annually to the national coach of the year in Division I men’s golf.

“I’m excited that Ryan will continue to lead our men’s golf team,” SDSU director of athletics John David Wicker said. “Ryan has shown that San Diego State can compete with any program in the country and will challenge for Mountain West championships every year. He continues to develop student-athletes on and off the course, and I’m excited to watch this program continue to rise.”

Donovan was a four-year member of the Aztecs men’s golf program from 1997-2001.

January 30

PEPPERDINE

Pepperdine head coach Laurie Gibbs has signed a contract extension through the 2028 season, announced Director of Athletics Steve Potts.

“Laurie Gibbs is the heart and soul of Pepperdine women’s golf,” said Potts. “She has built a program that consistently competes for championships and has done so with the utmost integrity. We are fortunate to have Laurie continue to lead and teach the amazing young women in our program.”

Gibbs was named the first full-time head coach in the program’s history in 1993 and is currently in her 30^th season at the helm. She was inducted into the Women’s Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame in December 2015. She was selected the 2004-05 National Golf Coach of the Year by Golfweek and has been named West Coast Conference Coach of the Year 14 times.

The Waves have played in the NCAA finals 12 times, with eight top-10 finishes and four top-five showings, including a program-best second-place result in 2003.

Gibbs has led Pepperdine to 19 WCC Championships in the last 24 tournaments, including a streak of 14 titles that ran from 2002-15. Over the course of her career, the Waves have won 55 team tournament titles and have had 56 individual medalist honors.

“I am blessed to have been the Pepperdine women’s golf coach since 1993,” said Gibbs. “Our success has been the result of so many wonderful people at the university, the golf courses that have allowed our team to play and those that have given the financial support to allow us to compete against the best teams in the country. Without outstanding young ladies competing for our team and representing the university with the highest integrity, my journey as their coach would have ended long ago. I welcome the challenge to continue our success and validate Dr. Potts’ decision to offer me an extension.”

January 26

HARVARD

Naree Song, who has been associate head coach for Harvard women’s golf since 2015, has been named head coach. Song is the third head coach in program history. Kevin Rhoads, who has spent 18 seasons as the women’s golf head coach and 10 with the men’s program, will continue to coach the men’s team.

Song had a decorated playing career and quickly became one of the top junior golfers in the world. She won her first professional event, the Thailand Ladies Open, at the age of 14. She also went on to win three AJGA major championships and became a two-time AJGA First Team All-American. She competed in her first U.S Women’s Open at the age of 14 where she took low-amateur honors.

Song attended the University of Florida at the age of 17 and after one semester turned professional and competed on the Symetra and LPGA tours, winning one event on the Symetra Tour in 2004.

Due to illness and injury, she retired from professional golf and turned to education at Rollins College where she assumed the Assistant Women’s Golf Coach position.

December 22, 2022

ARIZONA STATE

Arizona State has announced the extension of the contracts of Missy Farr-Kaye and Matt Thurmond into the 2027-28 athletic season.

Thurmond was hired at Arizona State in the summer of 2016 after a successful coaching record at Washington. The Sun Devils are currently ranked No. 2 in the Golfweek/Sagarin Rankings heading into the spring season.

“Coach Thurmond has put us back in NCAA championship discussions with back-to-back top-five finishes for the first time in three decades and has done a fantastic job with our alumni, former players and the golf community,” said Vice President for University Athletics Ray Anderson. “Much of the success of the NCAA championships at Grayhawk and our relationship with Golf Channel has to do with his ability to connect with so many people. We hired a proven head coach when we hired Matt, and that is shown in his ability to lead other coaches in our department. It is also incredible he decided to earn an ASU master’s degree while coaching… he not only survived what the pandemic threw at all of us, he thrived.”

Farr-Kaye played her college golf for the Sun Devils, was an assistant coach at Arizona State and now the head coach. In 2017, she completed the trifecta, winning her third NCAA national championship as a Sun Devil – first as a player (1990), then as an assistant coach (2009), and now as a head coach (2017).

“We hired Missy Farr-Kaye and she then won a national title, because as a player and assistant coach she knew the path. Her squads are always in the top-10, she is incredible with the alumni and since she has won an NCAA title as a Sun Devil player, assistant coach and head coach, she truly is one of the best Sun Devils of all-time,” said Anderson.

November 14, 2022

LONG BEACH STATE

Long Beach State has announced the hiring of Rob Murray as the 12th head coach of the Long Beach State men’s golf program. Murray comes to Long Beach State after serving as an assistant coach at Kansas State for the last six seasons. The Wildcats are currently ranked No. 19 in the Golfweek/Sagarin college rankings.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rob as the new Head Men’s Golf Coach at Long Beach State University,” said Interim Director of Athletics Ted Kadowaki. “We love Rob’s competitive drive and desire to build a program of sustained excellence, to build relationships with the community, and lead the program with integrity.”

Prior to Kansas State, Murray worked at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa for four years. His first two years were spent as an assistant coach as he helped the squad capture the 2014 and 2015 NJCAA Division I National Championships. He was subsequently promoted to head coach where he was named 2017 Dave Williams National Coach of the Year as the team was the National Runner-up at the 2017 National Championship. Additionally, Murray coached the 2017 Individual National Champion, Ricky Sanders, who went on to win the 2017 Phil Mickelson Award.

A native of Colchester, Essex in England, Murray made his way to the United States in 2007 to play collegiately at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix.

Assistant Coach Reilly Hegarty led the team this fall after Michael Wilson left to take over at Colorado State this summer. Long Beach State is ranked No. 65 after the fall season.