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July 11

MISSISSIPPI STATE

Mississippi State has announced that Kyle Cornelius as the Bulldogs’ new assistant coach. Cornelius spent the 2023-24 season on staff at Charlotte. Prior to Charlotte, he spent one season at Troy, his alma mater, as a graduate assistant. While there, Cornelius worked with both the men’s and women’s teams.

“We are so excited to welcome Kyle into our golf program,” Smith said. “Kyle is one of the bright young coaches in our profession right now that is going to bring us so much positive energy, an incredible work ethic and a standard of excellence. He is going to be a great addition to the culture that has been created here. I am looking forward to working with him, learning from him and continuing to build the program into what we know it can be.”

GRAND CANYON

Grand Canyon has announced the hiring of Leila Raines as an assistant coach.

Raines comes from Michigan State, where she was a four-time Women’s Golf Coaches Association All-American Scholar and a four-time Academic All-Big Ten recipient from 2021 to 2024. She is the only Spartan to ever qualify for the NCAA Division I National Championship in all four years played, including once as an individual and three times with the team.

She has served as a private golf instructor for five years at golf courses in the Columbus, Ohio, area.

July 10

OKLAHOMA STATE

Oklahoma State’s has announced the addition of longtime PGA Tour member Derek Ernst as an assistant coach.

“It is not often you get a chance to hire a coach with Derek’s experience. What an opportunity! He played for a national championship coach in Dwaine Knight at UNLV and his playing record speaks for itself,” Oklahoma State head coach Alan Bratton said. “Beyond that, I was sold when I got to spend time with Derek and his family. They will be a great fit in Stillwater and I cannot imagine a better person to help lead our program and mentor our guys. I can’t wait for him to get started.”

Over his playing career, Ernst made 134 starts on Tour and amassed more than $2.6 million in earnings while tallying five top-25 finishes.

“I am so excited and honored for this opportunity! I have always had a huge amount of respect for Oklahoma State and its golf program. To be a part of it now is a great privilege. I cannot wait to get started and bring my experience playing on the PGA Tour to the team to help us win a national title,” said Ernst, who is from Clovis, Calif..

Prior to joining the professional ranks, Ernst played his college golf at UNLV.

MINNESOTA

The University of Minnesota has announced that Miranda Greene is joining the Gopher women’s golf staff as the associate head coach. Greene arrives after serving as the assistant men’s and women’s golf coach at Regis University.

She spent three years serving as assistant men’s and women’s golf coach at Regis University and Flagler College. Greene also spent time as a graduate assistant coach at Florida International.

July 10

TEXAS-ARLINGTON

After five seasons leading the University of Texas Arlington men’s golf program, head coach Casey Devoll is resigning to spend more time with family.

Devoll initially served as assistant coach for the men’s program beginning in 2015. He later became associate head coach in 2016 and was promoted to head coach in 2019.

“I’ve actually been thinking about it for probably a year,” Devoll said. “In talking with my wife and especially my teenage boys, they wanted me to be around a little more. I have missed baseball games and practices, taking them to school and picking them up – just the simple things. I have really missed those experiences with them. They’re going to be out of the house in four or five years, and I might look to do something coaching-wise after that. Right now, it is just time to be at home.”

July 10

IOWA

The University of Iowa has announced that Steven Ihm has been named the programs assistant coach. 

“We are very happy to welcome Steven back to the team.” said head coach Tyler Stith. “He’s one of the most accomplished players in the history of our program. Steven possesses a wealth of experience and knowledge that can be invaluable to the players. As an Iowan and former Hawkeye, he understands what it means to carry the golf bag and represent our great state.”

Ihm played his college golf at Iowa from 2011-14. He started his playing career at Indian Hills Community College where he led them to a Junior College National Championship and won the 2011 Phil Mickelson Award as the top freshman player in the NJCAA.

July 10

OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

Oakland University has named Heather Fortushinak as their new head coach.

Oakland won the 2024 Horizon League Championship under the guidance of Sarah Burnham who resigned in May after coaching the team for two years.

“I am very happy that Heather will be leading the women’s golf program. Having competed at the Division I level, her playing experiences have shaped her coaching philosophy and her commitment to student-athlete development on and off the course,” said Director of Athletics Steve Waterfield. “I look forward to watching her build on the Golden Grizzlies women’s golf program’s successes over the past decade and lead the program to future championships.”

A native of Brighton, Michigan, Fortushniak played her college golf at Kansas State.

Fortushniak spent the previous two years (2022-24) as the Development Assistant for her alma mater, helping student-athletes and the entire Kansas State athletics department advance.

July 9

INCARNATE WORD

University of the Incarnate Word announced the hiring of Arcadio (Archie) Ramos Jr., as head women’s golf coach.

“I’m excited to welcome Archie to The Word,” said Athletic Director Richard Duran. “After conducting a national search, it was clear that the right person for the job was already in San Antonio. I look forward to partnering with Archie as we continue to develop our women’s golf student-athletes into champions in the classroom, in the community, and in competition.”

Ramos comes to UIW from Johnson High School where he was the Assistant Boys and Girls Golf Coach from 2021-2023, before becoming the Head Coach in July of 2023.

Ramos, who is from San Antonio, played his first two years of his collegiate career at UIW. Ramos transferred to St. Mary’s University where he finished his college career.

July 9

INDIANA

Indiana has announced the addition of assistant coach Ivy Shepherd to the women’s golf staff.

“I am so excited that Ivy has decided to join the Hoosier family,” May said. “She brings a wealth of golf knowledge and competitiveness to our program. Her desire to equip and empower others will be a great asset to our team. I cannot wait to get her started in Bloomington.”

Shepherd joined the coaching ranks as an assistant coach at James Madison.

“I could not be more excited to take my next steps at Indiana,” Shepherd said. “The culture that Brian is creating in Bloomington is contagious and something I cannot wait to be a part of and aid in. I am ready to get going with this team and see what we can accomplish!”

Shepherd played four years of college golf at Clemson and her final season at Kentucky.

July 9

MINNESOTA

The University of Minnesota men’s golf team has added Cameron McCloskey as its assistant coach for the 2024-25 season.

McCloskey, a graduate of Tiffin University, served as a graduate assistant of Tiffin men’s golf for one season before being promoted to the program’s head coach in June of 2022. He was a member of the Tiffin program from 2016-21.

“I am extremely excited to welcome Cameron and his family to our Gopher Golf program,” said Minnesota head coach Justin Smith. “Cameron had incredible success at his previous program building positive relationships with his student-athletes and developing them into top tier players across the board. Cameron will bring a tremendous amount of experience to our program and I look forward to creating the best environment for our student athletes right alongside him.”

July 9

TEXAS A&M

Texas A&M women’s golf head coach Gerrod Chadwell announced the hiring of Allison Howarth as an assistant coach Monday.

“Allison brings a wealth of experience to our program,” Chadwell said. “From her time at Incarnate Word where she ran every facet of the program, it was easy to see that she was going to be a star. At Iowa, she was able to accomplish great things and we can’t wait to see what she does in Aggieland. During the interview process, it was clear she was incredibly driven and passionate. She loves to work; I am thrilled to get her back to Texas and join our staff.”

Howarth comes to Aggieland after spending the last three seasons as an assistant on the Iowa Hawkeyes women’s golf staff. Howarth joined the Iowa program following a four-year stint at the University of the Incarnate Word. She served as graduate assistant in 2017-18 before being elevated to head coach for her final three seasons in San Antonio.

She played her college golf at St. Mary’s University, where she led the Rattlers to a fifth-place finish at the 2017 Division II National Championships. She helped St. Mary’s to a Heartland Conference title in 2016 and a runner-up finish in 2017.

July 8

SMU

SMU women’s golf head coach Lauren Mason has announced the addition of Carly Ludwig to the coaching staff as associate head coach of the Mustangs.

“Carly’s prior playing and coaching experience and her commitment to excellence aligns well with our program,” said Mason. “Carly’s coaching experience is unmatched. Her professionalism, recruiting track record, proven ability to develop players, and passion for the game will undoubtedly strengthen our program and take us to new heights. Carly’s leadership will be instrumental as we navigate this exciting new era in the ACC.”

Ludwig joins SMU from Baylor, where she spent six successful seasons as associate head coach of the Bears. During her tenure, Baylor appeared in the NCAA Championship four times in the last five seasons.

Prior to her six-year stint at Baylor, Ludwig was part of the staff at San Diego State. Before SDSU, Ludwig led Central Connecticut State, where she was named Northeast Conference Coach of the Year. In the 2014-15 season, she also served as the acting head coach for the CCSU men’s team.

Ludwig played her college golf at Cal State San Marcos.

July 8

TEXAS A&M

Texas A&M has announced the hiring of Ryan Sirman as an assistant coach.

Sirman comes to Texas A&M from his alma mater of Oklahoma where he spent the past nine seasons on the coaching staff. He started with the Sooners as an assistant coach in 2015 and was then elevated to associate head coach prior to the 2022-23 campaign.

“I am very excited to add Ryan to our staff,” head coach Gerrod Chadwell said. “I have had the opportunity to watch him grow as a player when I was a coach and now as he has forged his own coaching career. I also had the chance to coach his wife, Kaitlyn, at Oklahoma so I can’t wait to welcome them both to Aggieland. It’s easy to see what he means to the young ladies that he coaches. He is high energy and a great recruiter. I am pumped to see how he impacts our program moving forward.”

Sirman competed for the Sooners from 2007-11 and was named a captain his senior year.

“I’m beyond grateful to be joining the Texas A&M family and the 12th Man,” Sirman said. “G has always been a mentor of mine, so having the chance to work with him and these ladies is an opportunity I couldn’t say no to. I’m ready to pour my heart into this program, and more importantly, our student-athletes and serve them however I can.”

July 8

SAN DIEGO

Evan Emerick has been hired as the head coach at San Diego.

He replaces Chris Riley, who in May announced his departure from the Torero program after seven seasons to pursue other professional endeavors. USD associate head golf coach Sam Foust who has helped the team reach three consecutive NCAA Tournaments, was retained and will remain with the San Diego program in the same capacity.

Emerick joins the Toreros from USC, where he had served as an assistant coach since August of 2023. Prior to his time with the Trojans, Emerick spent a combined 15 years at nearby San Diego State as both a player and a coach.

While at San Diego State, the Aztecs appeared in the NCAA National Championship three times (2015, 2016 and 2021), made it to the NCAA Regionals ten times, and won the Mountain West Conference Tournament three times (2015, 2022 and 2023).

Emerick was a four-year letterwinner at local Carlsbad High School, Emerick played for SDSU for four years (2008-2012) and helped the Aztecs achieve a No. 4 national ranking from 2010-2012. Emerick competed at the 2011 U.S. Amateur and is a two-time Mountain West Scholar-Athlete (2010, 2012).

July 8

SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

Southern Mississippi announced the hiring of Colton Cowan as the head women’s golf coach earlier this summer.

Cowan comes to Hattiesburg after spending the last three seasons as the head men’s and women’s golf coach at Henderson State. While in Arkadelphia, Cowan guided the Reddies to six Great American Conference Championships on both the men’s and women’s sides. He also helped both teams advance to three-straight NCAA D-II Regionals, the women’s team to three-straight NCAA D-II National Championships and took the men’s team to its first NCAA D-II National Championships during the 2023-24 season.

The women’s team finished ninth, tied for third, and sixth in the nation in each of the last three seasons, respectively – they also won the NCAA DII Central Regional Tournament three-straight seasons. The men’s team finished 12th in the nation this season. In total, Henderson State won 23 regular season tournaments under his tutelage.

Prior to Henderson State, Cowan spent two seasons as the assistant women’s golf coach at Austin Peay.

The Piedmont, Oklahoma, native got his coaching career started at Southwestern Oklahoma as a graduate assistant for his alma mater. Cowan was a three-year letterwinner for the Bulldogs from 2014-17 and was the graduate assistant coach for both the men’s and women’s teams until 2019.

July 8

OKLAHOMA STATE

Oklahoma State women’s golf has added Annie Young to its staff as an assistant coach, head coach Greg Robertson announced today.

“We are very excited to add Annie to the coaching staff, and we want to welcome her and her family back to Stillwater,” Robertson said. “She was an All-American player here at OSU and has since become an accomplished coach. I have known Annie since her days on the team as a Cowgirl, and I have always been impressed with her hard work as a player and a coach.  

“She will bring 15 years of coaching experience, and there is no doubt our players will benefit from having her here. As she joins Maddi Swaney, I’m fortunate to have two of the best coaches in college golf working with me. I think that’s a tribute to the commitment Oklahoma State is willing to put toward the women’s golf program.”  

Young, a four-year letterwinner at Oklahoma State from 2001-05 and head coach of Cowgirl Golf from 2008-2011, returns to Stillwater after spending the past six seasons as head coach of Tulsa women’s golf.

“My family and I are excited to be back in Stillwater,” Young said. “The chance to be back where I played college golf and where I started my coaching career 15 years ago is a dream and one I couldn’t pass up. We have the best facility in the nation at Karsten Creek and I look forward to coaching a great group of young ladies. Greg and Maddi are some of the best coaches in the country, and I can’t wait to work with them!”

July 5

AUBURN

Former Auburn and Ole Miss men’s golfer CJ Easley has joined the women’s golf staff as an assistant coach.

“Thrilled to welcome back Coach CJ Easley to our Auburn Golf family,” said Auburn head coach Melissa Luellen. “A fine Division I golfer, CJ has an insatiable curiosity about the game of golf that will only benefit our student-athletes. He will be directly involved with individual development and talent evaluation. He knows what the highest level of women’s golf looks like and he will have a great influence in helping our golfers reach their goals, which in turn will help the team goals.”

Easley will join Coach Luellen and associate head coach Kim Hall on the coaching staff.

July 5

EAST CENTRAL

East Central University (NCAA Division II) Athletic Director Matt Cole announced today that Todd Selders will take the reins of the reinstated Tiger men’s and women’s golf teams, marking a new chapter in the program’s history after an eight-year hiatus.

“I cannot express my gratitude enough for the opportunity that Athletic Director Matt Cole and ECU President Wendell Godwin have given me to serve as the head golf coach at East Central University,” said Selders. “I am looking forward to starting up the men’s and women’s golf programs.”

Selders brings 27 years of experience coaching at the collegiate level, building up several successful programs at the NCAA Division I, Division II, and NJCAA levels.

“I am thrilled to welcome Todd Selders into the athletic department and ECU,” expressed Cole. “The journey to revive Tiger golf has been extensive, involving decisions to reinstate the program, developing infrastructure, and finding the program’s leader. Selders’ proven success as a coach and his connections in the golf community will greatly enhance his ability to recruit and develop talent in our programs.”

Selders joins ECU from the University of West Georgia, where he guided the Wolves since 2017.

Prior to his tenure at West Georgia, Selders had coaching stints at Charleston Southern, West Texas College, Iowa, North Carolina State, Coastal Carolina, and smu. His first collegiate coaching job was at the University of Oklahoma, where he served as the men’s assistant coach from 1997-2000.

The ECU men’s and women’s golf teams are planning to compete in the fall of 2025.

July 3

USC

The USC Trojans announced that Kolton Lapa has joined the program as an assistant coach. Lapa heads to Los Angeles from Mississippi State, where he was the associate head coach for the Bulldogs.

Lapa grew up in Mesa, Arizona, and played collegiately at the University of Arizona from 2014-16. He was hired by Mississippi State two years ago. Prior to his time in Starkville, Lapa was the women’s golf coach at Nebraska as well as the University of Denver.

We’re thrilled to officially announce @_koltonlapa as our new assistant coach! Lapa most recently served as associate head coach at Mississippi State. Welcome to USC, Kolton! #FightOn ✌️ pic.twitter.com/K3CbYsTfcv

— USC Men’s Golf (@USCMensGolf) July 3, 2024

July 3

CALIFORNIA

Walter Chun, who has served Director of men’s golf for the past eight seasons, has been relieved of his duties, Director of Athletics Jim Knowlton announced Tuesday.

Previous to serving as head coach, Chun spent seven seasons as Cal’s associate head coach and five years before that as an assistant coach. He also played for the Golden Bears from 1997-2002 and was an administrative assistant for the program before joining the coaching staff.

“We’d like to thank Walter for his contributions to Cal as a head coach, assistant coach and student-athlete,” Knowlton said. “Walter always represented our department and University in the right way, but we felt it was necessary to move in a different direction at this time.”

Assistant coach Peter Ireland will serve as interim head coach. A national search for Chun’s permanent replacement will begin immediately.

July 3

GEORGIA STATE

John Michael Cole has been named the head coach of the Georgia State men’s golf program.

Cole comes to Georgia State after spending the 2023-24 season at VCU. Cole went to VCU following a five-year run as head coach at Fayetteville State, highlighted by NCAA berths in two of his final three seasons. Cole played his collegiate golf at Fayetteville State.

He began his coaching career as the first head coach of the men’s and women’s golf teams at Fayetteville Technical Community College in 2016.

July 3

WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State named Kevin Tucker as the Cougars’ eighth women’s head golf coach.

Tucker will lead the women’s golf program after having spent the last six seasons on the WSU men’s golf staff, most recently serving as associate head coach.

“It’s a true honor to be the next Women’s Golf Head Coach,” said Tucker. “First, I need to thank Anne McCoy, Kelli Kamimura and Dustin White for their belief in me. It’s because of their trust in me, my relationship with the women’s team, and our support staff, that I know we will be successful. This program has a rich history led by some amazing coaches and I’m looking forward to building upon that. I’m a Coug through and through and coaching at my alma mater, first as the men’s assistant and now as head coach of the women’s team, is a dream come true.”

Tucker, who is from Kennewick, Washington, played on the men’s golf team at Washington State from 2007-10 and was the second Cougar in school history to be invited to the NCAA Regional Championship his junior year. He went back to the championship his senior year, becoming the first Cougar golfer to receive multiple individual post-season invites. Tucker was also a two-time All-Pac-10 honorable mention honoree, making him the third Cougar in school history to receive multiple post-season accolades.

July 2

MIDDLE TENNESSEE

Lauren Giesecke has been named head coach of the Middle Tennessee women’s golf program. Giesecke becomes just the fourth Blue Raiders head coach in the program’s history.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Lauren and her family to MTSU,” said Director of Athletics Chris Massaro. “Her proven ability to win, from leading Grand Canyon to five victories this past season to her rise from walk-on to team captain at Indiana, demonstrates the work ethic and leadership we value in our coaches. I always also impressed by the way she guided the program from Division II to Division I during her tenure. This was a tremendously strong pool of candidates, so I want to thank everyone involved in the search process.”

The Kokomo, Indiana, native comes to Murfreesboro from Grand Canyon, where she had been the head coach of the Lopes since 2015. Prior to Grand Canyon, Giesecke was an assistant coach from 2013-15 at South Florida.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to join Middle Tennessee as the new women’s golf coach. This is such an amazing opportunity to lead this incredible group of student-athletes,” said Giesecke. “I hope to be able to contribute to the rich athletic tradition of MTSU. I’m looking forward to building on the success, both academically and athletically, of this program and help our student-athletes reach their fullest potential. After visiting the athletic facilities and meeting everyone on campus, I knew this would be the perfect fit for me and my family. Thank you to Chris Massaro, Diane Turnham and Lee De Leon for this opportunity, I am so excited to be a Blue Raider!”

Giesecke was named WAC Coach of the Year honors for the 2017-18 season and led the team to a WAC Championship and a spot in the NCAA Regional. In her final season with the Lopes, GCU finished third at the WAC Championship and won an NCAA D1 program-best five tournament titles. The program finished in the top-five in 10 of its 11 events and top-three in nine tournaments.

July 2

NORTH TEXAS

North Texas head coach Michael Akers has announced the hiring of Kaeli DeSerrano as the new women’s golf assistant coach, replacing Brenda Gonzalez, who stepped aside after two seasons with the Mean Green, which included the program’s transition into the American Athletic Conference and two NCAA Regional appearances.

DeSerrano started her collegiate career at South Alabama, where she had six Top-15 finishes in six starts before transferring to Central Florida, where she won an AAC Championship in 2017 and played in the NCAA Regional before qualifying for the NCAA Regional as an individual in 2018. In 2018, she was named All-AAC and also earned conference Golfer of the Week honors and earned WGCA All-American Scholar status. In her time at UCF, she recorded two top-5 showings, two top-10s and three top-20s while breaking the school record for low round with a 65 at The Gator Invitational.

“I am thrilled to have Kaeli join us as our new assistant golf coach,” North Texas head coach Michael Akers said. “She has a tremendous playing resume and I really like the fact she was a member of an American Conference Championship team. One of our big goals will be to win conference this year. Kaeli is also from Florida and has played Southern Hills (the site of the AAC Championship) multiple times. Kaeli is well connected in the golf community and that will prove to be beneficial in recruiting and accessing various courses.”

In five seasons as a professional on the Women’s All Pro Tour, DeSerrano posted 10 top-25 finishes and two top-10 showings, including a win at the 2022 Wichita Falls Open, when she shot a course-record 64 in the final round. Since 2023, she’s worked for the ANNIKA WAPT as manager of player services and amateur tournaments.

July 1

KENYON COLLEGE

Evan Willams was hired as the first-ever coach of the Kenyon College women’s golf program.

Just four months ago, the school announced women’s golf would be the latest varsity sport offered and that the new team would begin NCAA competition during the 2025-26 academic year.

Williams previous coaching experience as an assistant coach at Kent State as well as head coach at Western Reserve Academy.

“The responsibility to build the foundation of a program from scratch is not one I take lightly. Kenyon athletics have a storied history of success at the conference and national levels, which does not happen without a culture of both excellence and determination,” Williams said. “The men’s golf program has had so much success under Grant [Wallace], so there is excitement in the air, and the preparation done by our administration has already shown me that this is an environment where our golfers can succeed.”

Prior to his collegiate and high school coaching roles, Williams worked as a course professional in the Columbus, Ohio area, holding positions at The Lakes Golf and Country Club, as well as at Westchester Golf Course.

July 1

PURDUE

WEST LAFAYETTE — A familiar name will remain with the Purdue men’s golf coaching staff.

Three weeks ago, Rob Bradley resigned as the Boilermaker head coach to assume the same role at South Carolina.

Now, his son will join Purdue as an assistant coach.

Cole Bradley joins recently appointed head coach Andrew Sapp.

Bradley picked up golf in high school and in his second season of competition won the 2015 Indiana high school individual state championship while playing for the Harrison Raiders.

Bradley would go on to be a two-time All-Big Ten honoree while playing for his father at Purdue, while also earning honorable mention All-American accolades.

— Sam King, Lafayette Journal & Courier

June 30

MISSISSIPPI STATE

Mississippi State head women’s golf coach Charlie Ewing has announced Kendall Griffin as the program’s new assistant coach.

“We are so excited to have Kendall join us as a member of our golf program,” coach Ewing said. “She comes in with some incredibly valuable experience as a former standout SEC golfer. She’s played amateur golf at an exceptionally high level and has followed that up with some fantastic success in her young coaching career already.”

Griffin comes to Starkville after spending the last two seasons as the assistant coach at Indiana. While in Bloomington, Griffin helped the Hoosiers’ women’s golf program to a Big Ten Championship in 2024, the team’s first conference title in more than 30 years.

“I am honored to join Mississippi State University as the assistant women’s golf coach. Working alongside Coach Ewing, whose leadership and vision have significantly elevated the program, is a privilege. I look forward to contributing to the continued success of this outstanding team and working with such talented student-athletes. Hail State!”

Griffin, a native of Sebring, Florida, played her college golf at Louisville and LSU. She played in the 2023 Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

June 30

TIFFIN

Cameron McCloskey has resigned as head men’s golf coach at Div. II Tiffin University in Ohio.

McCloskey led the Dragons to a 3rd-place finish in the G-MAC in 2023-24 and an 11th place finish at the Midwest Super Regional. The team had seven Top 5 finishes including wins at the Music City Invitational, the Midwest Region preview at Missouri-St. Louis, and the Kyle Ryman Memorial Invitational.

“It has been an absolute honor to lead this program, my alma mater, as head coach over the past two seasons,” said McCloskey. “Tiffin University and the men’s golf program will always have a special place in my heart. I would especially like to thank Athletic Director Kelly Daniel, President Schumacher, Tiffin University men’s golf alumni, and the Tiffin community for their support during my time at TU. I would like to extend a special thank you to all of our past and present players for their dedication. I am extremely proud of what we have been able to accomplish as a program.”

June 26

MARQUETTE

Four-time All-American Jordan Niebrugge has been named assistant coach for the Marquette University men’s golf program.

“We are very excited Jordan and his wife Molly have decided to join our team,” Marquette head coach Steve Bailey said. “Jordan’s talent and experiences at the highest level, will be a tremendous asset to Marquette Golf. While he is well known for his elite golf resume, our players will also benefit from the positive values he exemplifies.”

During his NCAA career at Oklahoma State, Niebrugge competed on two USA Walker Cup teams (2013 and 2015) and earned the silver medal at the Old Course at St. Andrew’s in the 2015 Open Championship as the event’s low amateur. His 11-under 277 at St. Andrew’s broke Bobby Jones’ record for lowest score by an amateur and placed him in a tie for sixth, just four strokes behind event champion Zach Johnson.

In his other major championship finish, he tied for 35th at the 2017 U.S. Open at Erin Hills Golf Course, site of the annual Marquette Intercollegiate. He also competed at the 2014 Masters Tournament and 2016 Open Championship.

Niebrugge, a native of nearby Mequon, Wisconsin, is one of the most accomplished amateur golfers in state history as one of only two individuals ever to accomplish a ‘Wisconsin Slam.’ He became the State Open’s youngest-ever champion in 2011 as a rising senior at Homestead High School and was named a two-time state player of the year by the Golf Coaches Association of Wisconsin.

Following 2011 Wisconsin State Open and 2012 WIAA titles, he produced a 2013 amateur winning streak that included the 112th Wisconsin State Amateur and 2013 WSGA Match Play Championship in addition to victories at the 111th Western Amateur Championship at The Alotian Club in Roland, Arkansas and the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship at Laurel Hill in Lorton, Virginia. The Public Links victory for the then-19-year old Niebrugge secured a spot in his first major championship event, the 2014 Masters.

While at OSU, Niebrugge was the 2016 Big 12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year as senior and a four-time first team all-conference performer. He claimed individual medalist honors at the 2015 NCAA New Haven Regional and finished in the top 10 at each of the four regionals in which he competed. Niebrugge posted his highest finish in NCAA stroke play as a senior in 2016 (tied for 17th) and was part of a Cowboys squad in 2014 that fell in the final of NCAA match play to national champion Alabama.

June 23

TAMPA

University of Tampa head women’s coach Missey Jones has announced her retirement after 14 seasons. Jones was hired as the first coach in program history on September 21, 2010.

She led the Spartans to four NCAA Tournaments, with the first coming in 2019. In 2021, her team won the NCAA South Regional as she was honored as the South Region Coach of the Year. Her teams twice advanced beyond the regional to the NCAA Championships, coming in 2021 and 2023.

June 21

RICE

Rice Vice President and Director of Athletics Tommy McClelland has announced that Joanne Berglund has been named Rice’s first-ever head women’s golf coach.

Berglund brings over 25 years of head coaching experience to Rice in her previous stops at Montana and North Florida. Her teams have made five trips to the NCAA Regionals, and have finished in the top five of the conference tournament 20 times, including nine top two finishes.

“Joanne Berglund immediately stood out from a formidable field of applicants as the individual best-suited to build the women’s golf program at Rice,” McClelland said. “She quickly built a championship program at North Florida from its beginning in 2011 and has maintained that level of performance both on the course and in the classroom.”

Berglund, a four-time conference coach of the year, is no stranger to starting a program from scratch. She has served as North Florida’s only head coach since the program was instituted in 2011. During that time, the Ospreys became one of the top programs in the Atlantic Sun, leading them to three A-Sun Championships and six top two finishes in the last 10 years. Her teams won 14 team titles while finishing runner-up nine times.

Prior to taking over North Florida, Berglund spent 16 years at Montana, the final 15 as its Head Coach.

Berglund was a four-year letterwinner at Jacksonville University from 1990-93. A three-year captain, she won three individual titles and was runner-up at the 1993 Sun Belt Conference Championship. She also finished fourth in 1992.

June 20

NORTH FLORIDA

After 12 seasons at North Florida, Joanne Berglund will be moving on as the head coach of the program.

Berglund has accepted a position in which she will start another women’s golf program at a noted Division I institution and anticipates an announcement in the near future. UNF is appreciative of Berglund’s commitment to the program and the great student-athletes she has led over the past decade.

“We are so appreciative of the impact Coach [Joanne] Berglund has made on the UNF women’s golf program and its student-athletes,” said Director of Athletics Nick Morrow. “She started the program from scratch as the first ever head women’s golf coach and leaves behind a lasting legacy. We wish her the best, as she starts the next chapter of her career.”

Berglund, who is a three-time ASUN Coach of the Year, has led the Ospreys to three ASUN Championships, including back-to-back titles only four years after the program’s inception, and four NCAA Regional appearances.

Berglund arrived at North Florida after serving 15 years as the head women’s golf coach for the University of Montana. She was an assistant coach for the Grizzlies for one season before earning the head position and was part of the UM program for 16 of its first 18 years of existence.

A national search will be commenced immediately to find the next head coach of North Florida women’s golf.

June 19

MIAMI-OHIO

Miami University Director of Athletics David Sayler has announced that head coach JD Fletcher  has agreed to a multi-year contract extension through the 2026-27 season. Fletcher guided the RedHawks to a runner-up performance at the 2024 MAC Championships this spring, the program’s highest finish since 2015.

“I am grateful for the support from our athletic administration, in particular David Sayler and Jennie Gilbert. They took a chance on a 25-year-old three years ago and I will always be grateful for them trusting me with this program,” Fletcher said. “I look forward to putting out a program that our alumni and university will be proud of.”

Fletcher, a 2019 Miami University graduate, returned to his alma mater as head coach in August 2021 after spending the previous year as head coach and director of Golf at Earlham College. Prior to his short stint at Earlham, he was the Men’s & Women’s Assistant Coach at Carnegie Mellon along with being the Director of Player Development at the Pittsburgh Field Club

“I am excited about the direction of Miami Golf under Coach Fletcher’s leadership, as evidenced by the team’s performance in the most recent MAC Championships,” Sayler said. “The improvement that the program has made over the past three years is notable, and we are looking forward to what they can accomplish in the future.”

June 17

ARIZONA

June 14

FLORIDA

Ashley Sease has joined the Florida women’s golf team as an assistant coach.

Sease makes her way to Gainesville after spending the last four seasons at Campbell in roles of assistant men’s coach for her first two seasons before adding assistant responsibilities duties on the women’s side in 2022-23 and then being promoted to associate head coach for the women’s program for 2023-24.

“I am honored and thrilled to be named the assistant women’s golf coach at the University of Florida,” said Sease. “Thank you to Emily Glaser for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. I am grateful to help lead these incredible young women and help them reach their full potential. I’m ready to assist the team in winning championships. Go Gators!”

Sease, a native of Southport, North Carolina, played collegiately at Winthrop for four seasons (2015-18) and was a three-time All-Big South Conference selection along with a 2015 all-freshman team member.

Prior to her time at Campbell, Sease spent two seasons at Furman as an assistant coach for its women’s program. Following graduation, Sease began her coaching career at Northwood for the 2018-19 season where she coached the team’s second-ever NCAA National Championship qualifier.

June 14

PURDUE

A lengthy search wasn’t required to find Rob Bradley’s successor.

Andrew Sapp has been hired as head coach of the Purdue men’s golf program just days after Bradley was hired at South Carolina.

Sapp was assistant coach of the Boilermakers for the past two seasons under Bradley.

Before coming to Purdue, Sapp had previously been a head coach for 14 seasons at Michigan, North Carolina and East Carolina. Sapp was an assistant coach at Purdue from 1998-2002 before being hired as Michigan’s head coach.

“Having coached at Purdue with the previous two head coaches in coach (Devon) Brouse and coach Bradley, I know what it takes to continue the tradition of Purdue golf and keep it moving forward,” Sapp said in a release from Purdue athletics. “I am extremely thankful to (athletics director) Mike Bobinski and (executive senior associate athletics director) Tim House for putting their trust in me.  The backing that Purdue has for its golf program is tremendous and the support from the Kampen family, the Cosler family, the Ackerman family, the Allen family and the Spurgeon family has given us the best collegiate golf facilities in America.”

— Sam King, Lafayette Journal & Courier

June 13

PURDUE

Purdue has announced Zack Byrd has signed an extension and was elevated to Director of Golf. Along with entering his third year as head coach of the women’s team, Byrd now has oversight of both Purdue golf programs and will provide leadership support to the new men’s golf coach.

“My first two years as a Boilermaker have proven one of the main reasons why I took the head coaching job here at Purdue – that we can win tournaments and compete for national championships,” said Byrd.

Byrd was named head coach of Purdue women’s golf in June 2022 following the retirement of 25-year head coach Devon Brouse.

Before arriving at Purdue, Byrd spent four seasons at Ole Miss, serving as assistant coach before being elevated to associate head coach following the team’s 2021 national title. The Rebels captured the 2021 NCAA National Championship. Before transitioning to coaching, Byrd spent 10 years as a professional golfer.

Following the resignation of former director of golf and men’s head coach Rob Bradley, the men’s team is expected to name a new head coach in the coming days.

June 13

COLLEGE OF WOOSTER

The College of Wooster, an NCAA Division III women’s golf program located an hour south of Cleveland, is searching for its second head coach following the retirement of Lisa Campanell Komara, who led the program since its inception in 2010.

The program is coming off its best season in program history and is looking to sustain the momentum.

Wooster’s opening is a full-time, 10-month appointment.

Interested applicants can apply here: wooster.interviewexchange.com

June 12

TEXAS

University of Texas head coach Laura Ianello has announced the addition of Braden Ash as an assistant coach. Ash joined Ianello in Arizona for the 2023-24 season after serving as head coach for the men’s and women’s golf programs at his alma mater, Pacific University in Oregon.

“I’m very excited to announce Braden Ash the new women’s assistant golf coach at The University of Texas,” Texas head coach Laura Ianello said. “Braden has the experience to help our athletes on and off the golf course and is meticulous about tournament and practice preparation.  His energetic and positive attitude is infectious and my staff wouldn’t be complete without him.  I’m excited to welcome Braden to Austin and let’s go Longhorns!”

Ash was a member of the men’s golf team at Pacific from 2016 to 2020, being selected team captain in three of his four seasons.

“I am excited and honored to coach at The University of Texas,” Ash said. “To continue the rich legacy of Texas Golf alongside Coach Ianello is an amazing opportunity. I am thankful and this is a dream come true. Texas is the premier athletic department in the country, and I am thrilled to be a part of this standard of excellence.”

PEPPERDINE

Nick Robinson has been hired as an assistant coach for the Pepperdine men’s golf team.

“I’m very excited for Nick to join our coaching staff,” said Pepperdine head coach Michael Beard.  “Growing up in Palos Verdes, Nick knows Pepperdine and our golf program well. I remember following Nick around the Toyota Tour Cup circuit as a recruit and then following his progress at Wisconsin where he played collegiately.

 Most recently, Robinson worked with former Waves’ assistant and current head coach of the Chattanooga men’s golf team, Blaine Woodruff, as an assistant coach.

“I am truly elated to join one of the premier golf programs in the country,” said Robinson. “I cannot thank Coach Michael Beard and Pepperdine enough for this tremendous opportunity.  To work alongside Coach Beard, one of the most well-respected head coaches in the country, at a place that is synonymous with winning, is an opportunity I don’t take lightly.

Prior to joining Chattanooga, Robinson was a volunteer assistant coach for his alma mater Wisconsin in 2022. Robinson played from Wisconsin for the 2017-21 seasons.

Originally from Palos Verdes, Calif., Robinson earned a degree in Communication Arts from Wisconsin in 2021. Robinson joins Beard and assistant coach Jason Allred on the staff for the upcoming 2024-25 campaign.

EASTERN MICHIGAN

Eastern Michigan University Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee announced the hiring of Andy Walker as head coach of the men’s golf program today, June 12.  The announcement comes just weeks after the transformational $6.5 million commitment from GameAbove to support EMU Golf.

A four-time national champion as a player and coach, Walker arrives in Ypsilanti with an extensive head coaching resume, including stops at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Lynn University, and South Mountain Community College (SMCC). As a student-athlete, Walker helped Pepperdine University capture the 1997 NCAA National Championship before embarking on an 11-year pro playing career.

“Andy Walker’s impressive professional golf experience and unwavering commitment to building meaningful player and donor relationships make him a perfect fit for Eastern Michigan University,” said Wetherbee. “His results-driven approach and remarkable history of developing highly successful student-athletes both on and off the course are unparalleled. We are thrilled to welcome a four-time national champion as a player and coach, and we look forward to him inspiring our next championship golf team.”

The 49-year-old Walker recently completed his third season as head coach at VCU.  Under his leadership, VCU men’s golf has seen a dramatic rise in performance and reputation. Walker inherited a team ranked No. 187 in the nation and transformed them into a top-40 powerhouse within just two and a half seasons. His recruiting, player development, and exceptional coaching have resulted in four of the six lowest-scoring team rounds in the program’s history occurring during his tenure.

June 11

EAST TENNESSEE STATE

East Tennessee State University Athletic Director Dr. Richard Sander announced on Monday the hiring of Aaron O’Callaghan as ETSU men’s golf head coach.

O’Callaghan, who spent the last six seasons as the associate head coach at Wake Forest, becomes the fourth head coach to lead the prestigious Buccaneer program.

“I am so excited to have Aaron lead our men’s golf program,” said Dr. Sander. “When we started the search, the first name that came up when I met with Dr. Noland was Aaron O’Callaghan. Coach is well-respected across the golf community and that was apparent when we moved through this process. Aaron’s personality, his coaching style and playing record all fit perfectly with the profile we established as we were looking for our new golf coach. He is going to do great things here at ETSU.”

GRAND CANYON

Reigning NCAA Division II national champion Brent Nicoson has been named Grand Canyon’s new women’s golf head coach.

Nicoson has been the men’s and women’s golf head coach at his alma mater, University of Indianapolis, where he led the women’s program to three national championships, including a recent 2024 title.

“I am very excited for the opportunity to lead the GCU women’s golf program,” Nicoson said. “On my visit, I was very impressed by the staff, campus and culture-first atmosphere in the athletic department. I can’t wait to meet the players in person and get started with our new journey together.”

Nicoson played golf at UIndy from 1992 to 1994 and captained the 1994 Greyhounds. He took over as head coach of the men’s program in 2006 and added leading the women’s program beginning in 2011.

“We are thrilled to have a perennial national champion and a proven winner in Coach Brent Nicoson to lead our women’s golf program,” GCU Vice President of Athletics Jamie Boggs said. “He is known as an outstanding recruiter and one of the most elite golf instructors in the country. More importantly, he strongly aligns with GCU’s Christ-centered mission and has built winning programs founded on a culture of community and service. We are excited to welcome Coach Nicoson to the Lopes family.”

Nicoson has built an elite D-II program that has been dominant in competition against D-I teams. On the women’s side, Nicoson’s teams have posted a 248-94-1 (.723) record against D-I opponents in tournament play.

In nearly 20 seasons at the helm of UIndy golf, Nicoson collected 15 Great Lakes Valley Conference Coach of the Year awards, 14 NCAA Region Coach of the Year awards and 152 tournament championships. His women’s teams competed in 12 consecutive national championship finals and won 11 of the last 12 Great Lakes Valley Conference titles.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Rob Bradley, who led Purdue University’s men’s golf program to nine NCAA Regionals and four NCAA Championship appearances in 11 seasons from 2013-24, has been named men’s golf coach at the University of South Carolina, Athletics Director Ray Tanner announced today.

Bradley comes to South Carolina on the heels of leading the Boilermakers this season to a third-place finish at the Big Ten Championship and a second-place finish in the NCAA West Lafayette Regional that punched the program’s ticket to the NCAA Championship for the 30^th time in school history. The Boilermakers won two tournaments and finished in the top three in eight of 12 events during the 2023-24 season.

“After visiting with Rob Bradley, it became clear that he has the passion, vision and positive outlook to lead our men’s golf program,” said Tanner.  “His success as someone who can build a program and develop young men is well-documented.  I am excited about the future of our men’s golf program under Rob’s direction.”

Under Bradley’s tutelage, Purdue has posted nine of the 10 best team stroke averages in school history, including this past season’s average of 287.57, which was second best in school history.  The Boilermakers had the second most appearances in the NCAA Championship from the Big Ten the last 11 seasons, trailing only Illinois.

June 10

KENYON COLLEGE

Have you ever wanted to start a program? Here is your chance.

Kenyon College (Division III) has added women’s golf to it lineup of sports.

With preliminary planning and operations already underway, the new program will launch its first season beginning in the 2025-26 academic year. Kenyon, an inaugural member of the NCAC, will join women’s golf championship competition against teams from Denison University, DePauw University, Hiram College, Ohio Wesleyan University, Wittenberg University and The College of Wooster. John Carroll University, which is joining the NCAC in 2025-26, will bring the conference’s women’s golf championship field to eight teams.

A national search for a head coach is underway. They hope to have a head coach in place by August 1.

June 9

UAB

UAB Director of Athletics Mark Ingram has named Iowa assistant Charlie Hoyle as the new head coach of the Blazer men’s golf program. Hoyle becomes the ninth head coach in school history and inherits a program that has 14 NCAA Regional appearances and eight NCAA National Championship appearances.

“Charlie Hoyle is a true professional and our staff gravitated to him immediately,” Ingram said. “He has a clear plan for UAB’s golf program and a great respect for our history. Charlie expects success and has a great track record, a positive demeanor and was our athletic department’s unanimous choice for this position. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Charlie and his family to UAB.”

Hoyle comes to Birmingham after a six-year stint with Iowa (2018-24). While in Iowa City, Hoyle helped the Hawkeyes advance to five NCAA Regionals along with having two Big Ten Player of the Year honorees and two Big Ten individual champions.

A native of Lytham, England, Hoyle attended Lander University in South Carolina where his team made four-straight Division II NCAA Regional appearances and one NCAA National Championship appearance.

Hoyle was the assistant coach at Lander University from 2012-16.

June 7

OREGON

That answers that question. Oregon’s Derek Radley is staying put.

University of Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens has announced that women’s golf head coach Derek Radley has signed a contract extension that will keep him in Eugene through the 2028-29 season.

In his sixth season as Oregon’s head coach in 2023-24, Radley led the Ducks to the national semifinals at the NCAA Championships for the second time in three years. In 2021-22, he guided Oregon to the program’s first ever Pac-12 championship and a national runner-up finish.

“Derek Radley’s leadership and commitment to the University of Oregon have elevated our women’s golf team into one of the truly elite programs in the country,” Mullens said. “He has created a championship culture and is extremely dedicated to providing an exceptional student-athlete experience both on and off the course, and he and his wife, Sara, and their children are terrific members of our Oregon community. We are excited to continue to have Derek lead our program for years to come as we compete for both Big Ten and national championships.”

June 6

NEW MEXICO JUNIOR COLLEGE

New Mexico Junior College has announce the hire of Gil Williams as the next head coach for the T-Bird men’s golf program.

“It’s a humbling opportunity for me,” Williams said. “To be able to follow coaches like James Black, James Berry, and Jay Rees just speaks to the history of NMJC golf. Those three coaches have combined for over 30 tournament wins in their time with the Thunderbirds.”

Williams is the men’s program’s sixth head coach to lead the ranks at NMJC. The Pullman, Wash., native began his tenure at NMJC in January of 2024 on a part-time basis as he started recruiting for the upcoming 2024-25 season. He will be inheriting a team that won the NJCAA DI Men’s Golf Championship for the first time in school history in 2024.

Williams will take over from interim head coach Kayla Weaver who helped guide the team to a national title during the 2024 spring season.

“It will be an exciting new challenge at NMJC,” Williams said. “The coaches previously mentioned plus Coach Weaver and Coach Ferguson have all had a hand in establishing the winning culture here already. I want to build on the foundation they have already put in place and continue to bring home trophies like they did this season.”

Coach Williams spent the past three seasons as the men’s and women’s head coach of the Ranger College Rangers located over in the North Texas Junior College Athletic Conference (NTJCAC). The Rangers are also in the South Central District alongside NMJC.

June 6

TEXAS A&M-CORPUS CHRISTI

Chris Adams has been named head coach at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.

Adams spent the last 17 seasons in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, as the head coach at Middle Tennessee State University. While with the Blue Raiders Adams guided the team to back-to-back Conference USA Championships and qualified for the NCAA Regionals in 2015 and 2016. In 2022-23 she led MTSU to their first-ever National Golf Invitational berth.

Adams was selected as the Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year in 2012 and Conference USA Coach of the Year in 2015 and 2016.

Adams also coached at Arkansas State and Wichita State and played her college golf at Kansas State.

June 4

TEXAS

A national champion as both a player and head coach at the University of Arizona, Laura Ianello has been named Women’s Golf Head Coach at The University of Texas, Vice President and Lois and Richard Folger Athletics Director Chris Del Conte announced Monday.

“We are thrilled to have Laura Ianello taking over our women’s golf program,” Del Conte said. “She is one of the nation’s elite golf coaches, absolutely checks all the boxes as a leader and person and is a highly-respected coach with a great reputation in the collegiate golf community. What she has accomplished during her 14 seasons at Arizona is outstanding, and she brings the wisdom and knowledge of an All-American and LPGA Tour golfer in her playing days as well. Laura is a program builder with a championship pedigree, and she truly cares about developing her student-athletes, whether it be on the course, in the classroom or as people. I’m thrilled about the future of Texas Women’s Golf with Coach Ianello leading our program, and we are excited to welcome her into our Texas Athletics family.”

Ianello served as the head coach at Arizona for the past 14 seasons and paced the Wildcats to a national championship in 2018. During her undergraduate playing career, she also was a member of Arizona’s 2000 national championship team.

Under Ianello’s leadership, the Wildcats advanced to the NCAA Championships a total of nine times in 13 opportunities (the 2020 championship was not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic) and claimed the Pac-12 Championship in 2015. She developed six student-athletes who received a total of nine All-America honors, while 24 individuals earned All-Pac-12 team accolades and 24 players also claimed Pac-12 All-Academic team recognition.

CALIFORNIA

Sofie Aagaard has been named head coach at California

Aagaard, a California Athletics Hall of Famer who spent the last two seasons at Washington State, has been named the next head coach of the California women’s golf program, Director of Athletics Jim Knowlton has announced.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to be the next head women’s golf coach at Cal and I want to thank Athletic Director Jim Knowlton, Associate Athletic Director Jay John and the search committee for this opportunity,” Aagaard said. “It is with great pride that I come back to Cal to coach at my alma mater, following one of the best coaches in college golf history, coach Nancy McDaniel.”

Aagaard – a three-time NGCA All-American as a player at Cal from 2003-06 – will be the second head coach in program history. She takes the reins from McDaniel, the Golden Bears’ founding head coach, who recently announced her retirement following 29 seasons leading the team.

“We are so excited to welcome Sofie back to Cal,” McDaniel said. “As a decorated alum of the program and former assistant coach here, she understands what it takes to be a successful and balanced student-athlete at Cal. She has always set a high standard for herself that inspires those around her to follow. She will hit the ground running with her enthusiasm, experience and ingenuity.”

In February of 2013, Aagaard returned to Berkeley for a two-year stint as an assistant coach. Following that, she served as the head coach at Cal Poly for seven seasons, where she was a four-time Big West Coach of the Year. Aagaard led the Mustangs to three NCAA Regionals

Also returning to the Bears’ coaching staff is associate head coach Bev Terry.

June 3

SOUTH FLORIDA

University of South Florida has named Tampa native AJ Newell as head coach of USF women’s golf.

Newell will take over leadership of the Bulls’ program following a three-year stint as assistant coach at the University of Michigan, where she helped lead the Wolverines to three-straight NCAA Regional appearances, a 2022 Big Ten title, and the 2022 NCAA Championship Finals.

“We are thrilled to welcome AJ Newell to Team USF!” University of South Florida Vice President for Athletics Michael Kelly said. “AJ’s impressive background as an All-American player at the University of Tennessee, her professional experience on the LPGA Tour, and her successful tenure as an assistant coach at the University of Michigan make her a perfect choice to lead the USF Women’s Golf program.

As a player, Newell earned NCAA All-America honors at the University of Tennessee, where she helped lead the Volunteers to the 2015 NCAA Finals match play round and finished seventh individually. She went on to a five-year professional career (2015-2020), making eight starts on the LPGA Tour in 2018 and playing in 35 events on the Symetra Tour (2016-20) before a back injury and subsequent surgery forced her retirement in 2020.

“AJ’s Tampa Bay roots and her time as a club professional at Pelican Golf Club uniquely position her to create real, authentic relationships with our players, donors and the community. Her passion for player development, leadership, and recruiting will continue our program’s momentum and lift us to new heights.”

Before entering collegiate coaching at Michigan, Newell served as a golf professional at Pelican Golf Club (2020-21) in Belleair Beach, Florida. She also volunteered and taught golf for many years (2011-21) with the First Tee program at Cheval Golf Club and Fox Hollow Golf Club in Tampa.

“I feel truly honored to return home to lead the South Florida women’s golf team,” Newell said. “I would like to thank Vice President for Athletics Michael Kelly for this tremendous opportunity. His vision and support are evident in USF’s premier golf facilities and the commitment at every level to the success of the program, and will allow us to compete for championships.

June 3

LOYOLA MARYMOUNT

Loyola Marymount University announced a promotion to Michael McCabe after five years as an assistant coach. Entering the 2024-25 season, McCabe will be elevated to Associate Head Coach.

“Mike deserves every little bit of this promotion. He has been essential in our program’s success since his start here at LMU,” said head coach Jason D’Amore. “He doesn’t leave any stones unturned in our progression forward and is always looking to learn and get better. Every player on our team has a great relationship with him, which really makes him the ultimate player’s coach. I feel so fortunate for how much he is invested into our teams the last five years.”

McCabe joined the LMU Men’s Golf staff as an assistant coach prior to the 2019-20 school year following a professional career that has spanned over a decade.

LMU won three tournaments last season.

June 2

Texas

Texas is expected to hire Arizona’s Laura Ianello as its next women’s head golf coach, a university source with knowledge of the situation told the Austin American-Statesman on Sunday.

Ianello won a national championship for the school both as a player in 2000 and as a coach in 2018. She has served as head coach at Arizona for the last 14 seasons.

She will replace Ryan Murphy, who resigned his position as Longhorns coach last week.

June 1

GCAA

Not an coaching job, but a job working in college golf with coaches.

May 31

Georgia

Salary information on two recent coaching hires for Georgia teams was released by the school Friday in response to an open records request by the Athens Banner-Herald.

New women’s golf coach Erika Brennan will be paid $210,000 annually.

Brennan replaces Josh Brewer who was dismissed after 12 seasons. Brewer was making $182,000 a year. Athletic director Josh Brooks hired Brennan after she spent seven seasons at South Florida.

“She gave one of the best interviews I’ve ever seen,” Brooks told the athletic board. “They had to stop me because I think I would have hired her after five minutes of talking to her. She is just a burst of positive energy where I’m excited to see what she’s going to do for our program in all elements of recruiting, culture.”

May 31

TEXAS

Texas women’s golf coach Ryan Murphy has resigned.

“The University of Texas has been great to me and my family, and I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to be a coach here. I’ve enjoyed my 16 years around many terrific young people on my teams as well as many great people that work in Texas Athletics. I am happy with what we achieved in my 10 years as the Head Women’s Golf Coach, and I believe the program is in a great place. I look forward to rooting on the players I’ve had the pleasure to coach into the future.”

Recently, the Longhorns finished T-11 at the 2024 NCAA Championship. Murphy guided the Longhorns to five Big 12 Conference championships and advanced to match play three times.

“We are extremely appreciative of Ryan Murphy and all that he has given to Texas Athletics, not only in his role as Head Women’s Golf Coach over the last 10 years but also in his time as an assistant here with men’s program,” said Texas Athletics Director Chris Del Conte. “We wish Ryan and his family nothing but the best moving forward.”

Before New Mexico he was an assistant at New Mexico, head men’s coach at St. Edwards and then assistant men’s coach at Texas.

Murphy played his college golf at New Mexico where he was coached by current Texas men’s coach John Fields.

May 29

EASTERN MICHIGAN

Former Georgia coach Josh Brewer is now the head coach of the Eastern Michigan women’s golf team, athletic director Scott Wetherbee announced Wednesday.

Brewer is the eighth full-time coach in program history and comes to Eastern Michigan after 12 seasons leading Georgia, where the team advanced to regionals 10 times and made the NCAA Championship in four years.

“It is my pleasure to welcome Josh Brewer as our new head coach for the women’s golf program,” Wetherbee said. “With an impressive track record of excellence, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven history of success. We are confident his leadership will further elevate our program and inspire our student-athletes to achieve new heights.”

Brewer has also spent time as the assistant men’s and women’s coach at USC and the assistant men’s coach at Indiana.

LSU

Jake Amos, who guided East Tennessee State to four straight NCAA Championship appearances, has been named LSU’s head men’s golf coach, Director of Athletics Scott Woodward announced Wednesday.

Amos, a finalist for the NCAA Division I Dave Williams Coach of the Year Award, led the Buccaneers to three victories and seven top-three finishes in 2024, including a fourth straight Southern Conference Championship and a 12th place finish at NCAA Championships, ETSU’s best showing since 2001.

“Jake has a proven track record of success, both as a player and a coach, which makes him an exciting leader for our men’s golf program,” Woodward said. “His ability to develop elite talent and win at every stage of his career gives us confidence that he will build on our strong foundation and lead the Tigers to consistent success moving forward.”

Since his arrival in Johnson City, Amos has coached four NCAA All-Americans and eight East All-Region selections, as well as three conference Players of the Year, three conference Freshman of the Year and 15 All-Conference honorees.

As a program, ETSU saw unprecedented success under his leadership, capturing 13 team wins and 13 individual victories in five seasons. Amos was also named 2024 Southern Conference Coach of the Year, his third SoCon Coach of the Year honor after winning the award in both 2021 and 2022.

“I could not be more excited for the opportunity to be the next head men’s golf coach at LSU,” Amos said. “Thank you to Scott Woodward for believing in me to lead the program going forward. LSU golf has a great history of winning championships and that’s the reason I am here, I want to continue that. My wife and kids are excited to move down to Baton Rouge and immerse ourselves in the culture and community.”

May 28

SAN DIEGO

San Diego head coach Chris Riley has announced his departure from the Torero program to pursue other professional endeavors.

“We are extremely grateful for the program Chris has built in his hometown over the past seven years,” said USD Associate Vice President and Executive Director of Athletics Kimya Massey. “Under Chris, our team has reached a standard of being a regular NCAA Regional participant under his leadership and we can’t thank him enough for his time, dedication, and pursuit of excellence in all aspects for our young men who have been a part of this program.”

After a successful professional career that included competing in over 330 PGA Tour events, representing the USA in the 2004 Ryder Cup, and reaching a career-high world ranking of No. 21, Riley took the helm of USD golf in June 2017, becoming the seventh head coach to lead the program. Over his seven-year tenure, the Toreros secured four consecutive postseason berths, including five appearances in the NCAA Regionals and a notable presence in the 2020-2021 NCAA Championship.

This past year San Diego won the WCC Championship for the first time since 2008 and was named WCC Men’s Golf Coach of the Year.

“I want to thank the University of San Diego and the wonderful people I have met working here,” Riley said. “After seven years, now is my time to go, and focus on some family matters. I appreciate everyone’s support, from President Harris, to Athletic Director Kimya Massey, who I respect tremendously.”

A national search for the next head coach of San Diego men’s golf is underway.

MINNESOTA

University of Minnesota Athletics Director Mark Coyle announced today that Minnesota native and current Minnesota assistant coach Matt Higgins has been named head coach of the Minnesota women’s golf program. The University and Higgins have agreed to a three-year term.

Higgins follows Rhyll Brinsmead who coached at Minnesota from 2021-2024. Higgins, who graduated from the University of Northwestern-St. Paul, has served as the program’s assistant coach since January 2021.

“I am truly honored and humbled to be the next women’s golf coach at the University of Minnesota,” said Higgins. “I want to thank Mark Coyle, Julie Manning and the search committee for placing their trust in me to be the next leader of this program. I also want to thank Coach Brinsmead for giving me the opportunity to serve as her assistant during the last three and a half years.

“Growing up in Forest Lake, Minn., and being a lifelong Gopher fan, I’ve always admired the rich history of Gopher Athletics and the Gopher golf programs. The continued investment and support from alumni, parents, donors and the golf community, along with the foundation that has been built, makes me excited about the future. From day one, I promise we will represent the Maroon and Gold, and this great state well. This is a dream come true and there is nowhere else I’d rather be. Ski-U-Mah and Go Gophers!”

Prior to his Gopher tenure, Higgins spent two years at the helm at Regis University. Before his time at Regis, Higgins served as the executive director of admissions and assistant athletics director for compliance at Upper Iowa University. He also spent time as the head golf coach at the University of Montana.

Higgins is no stranger to the Minnesota golf scene. He was the head men’s and women’s golf coach at Concordia-St. Paul for 14 years and was a two-time NSIC Women’s Golf Coach of the Year.

May 24

EASTERN MICHIGAN

After three decades Eastern Michigan Head Coach Bruce Cunningham has announced his retirement. The 2023-24 season marked Cunningham’s 30th year leading the Eastern Michigan men’s golf team.

“It has been a privilege every day to coach and mentor our student-athletes,” said Cunningham. “With the addition of the GameAbove Golf Performance Center, everything is in place to pass the baton and enable the next coach and future teams to train and practice like champions. I will continue to be an ambassador of our golf program and serve as a bridge between current, past, and future players. I have been blessed to recruit extremely talented student-athletes whose dedication to our core values helped build the foundation on which this program is based. Their passion, competitive spirit, and dedication greatly influenced our national success.”

Cunningham’s led his team to the MAC title in 2007, 2008, and 2019

Earlier this year, Eastern Michigan held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the GameAbove Golf Performance Center at Eagle Crest Golf Course. The building is dedicated in honor of Cunningham and marked the culmination of a visionary project that promises to redefine the landscape of collegiate golf training at EMU.

Eastern Michigan will conduct a national search for the program’s next head coach.

May 23

SOUTH CAROLINA

University of South Carolina Director of Athletics Ray Tanner announced a change in leadership with the men’s golf program on Friday. Bill McDonald will not return as the Gamecocks’ head coach.

McDonald, who is from Dalton, Georgia, spent the past 18 seasons after being hired in the summer of 2007. McDonald guided South Carolina to 15 NCAA Regional appearances, including this season, and seven NCAA Championship appearances, the last in 2019, over the course of 18 seasons. He led the Gamecocks to the program’s only regional title at the 2007 NCAA West Regional in Tempe, Arizona.

Associate head coach Brady Gregor will take over as interim head coach. Gregor served as head coach at High Point for five seasons from 2017-22 before his current tenure with the Gamecocks the past two seasons.

A national search has begun for a new head coach.

May 23

RIDER

After 10 years as head coach at Rider, Jason Berry is resigning and will become the full-time Director of Instruction at Springdale Golf Club in Princeton, New Jersey.

In 2022, Berry guided Rider to its first MAAC conference championship in program history.

“What an unbelievable ride it has been,” said Berry.

May 23

GEORGIA

Dalton Stevens, who helped South Florida to consecutive NCAA Regional bids over the past two seasons, has been named associate head coach for the University of Georgia women’s golf program. Head coach Erika Brennan, who has worked with Stevens for the past six seasons at USF, announced his hiring on Thursday.

Stevens joined the USF staff in June 2018 as an assistant coach and was promoted to associate head coach prior to the 2023-24 season.

“I feel incredibly honored and thankful to be a part of the University of Georgia as the Associate Head Coach for the women’s golf program,” Stevens said. “Coaching in the SEC has been a long-standing aspiration of mine, and I’m thrilled about the journey ahead for our program. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Coach Erika Brennan and Mr. Josh Brooks for entrusting me with this amazing opportunity.”

Stevens arrived at USF with four seasons of collegiate coaching experience. He spent two seasons as head coach of both the men’s and women’s golf teams at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas. Stevens began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Iowa Central Community College in 2014-15 before returning to his alma mater, Kirkwood Community College.

May 22

BELMONT

Belmont University head coach Scott Flynn has announced on Wednesday that he is stepping down from his position after spending 16 years leading the program. Assistant Coach Daniel DeLuca  has been promoted to Head Coach to replace Flynn.

“I want to thank Dr. Greg Jones, Scott Corley, Mike Strickland (former Belmont Director of Athletics), and Dr. Bob Fisher (former Belmont President), for the opportunity to be part of such a special team of people at Belmont,” said Flynn. “Belmont is a very special place and it’s been a true blessing to work alongside such a wonderful group of coaches, faculty, staff and student-athletes.  I’m also excited about the future of our golf program and can with all confidence say that it will be in great hands under the leadership of Daniel DeLuca.”

Flynn took over as the program’s fourth head coach in 2008. His teams finished runner-up at three conference championships (2015, 2019, 2021).

DeLuca assumes head coaching responsibilities for the Bruin golf program. DeLuca has been at Belmont for just six months.

A native of Lexington, Kentucky, DeLuca previously served as the Head Men’s Golf Coach at Murray State during the 2021-22 season. Before arriving at Murray, Daniel served as an assistant coach at both the United States Military Academy at West Point (2019-21) and Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas (2017-19).

“I am thrilled at the opportunity of leading the Belmont golf program,” said DeLuca.  “I have learned so much from Coach Flynn in my time here and I hope to continue to grow and develop the program based on the foundation of athletic and academic success he built over the last 16 years.”

DeLuca played his college golf at Eastern Kentucky.

May 21

GEORGIA STATE

Georgia State athletics recently announced a change in the men’s golf program. Chad Wilson, who has been the head coach for the last seven seasons, has resigned.

The Panthers placed 14^th at the Sun Belt Conference Championship last month.

It is reported a national search for Georgia State’s next head coach has begun.

May 21

GEORGIA

Erika Brennan has been named the head women’s golf coach at the University of Georgia. Brennan arrives in Athens after spending the past seven seasons as the head at USF. The Bulls earned bids to NCAA Regionals each of the past two seasons, their first consecutive appearances since 2002. South Florida won 13 titles under Brennan.

“We are excited to welcome Erika to the Georgia family,” Director of Athletics Josh Brooks said. “She has done an outstanding job throughout her coaching career, including most recently as the head coach at USF. Not only is Erika a great leader, she brings tremendous positivity and energy to everything she does. She will be an excellent mentor for our student-athletes and an exceptional representative of the University of Georgia women’s golf program.”

Brennan, who played her college golf at Western Carolina, spent time as a head coach at Southern Miss from 2015-17, an assistant coach at Tennessee from 2013-14 and head coach at Saint Leo from 2008-13.

“I’m honored to get down to work as the next coach here at the University of Georgia,” Brennan said. “This program has such a storied past, and we’re ready to ensure the rich tradition continues at the highest level. Thank you, Mr. Josh Brooks for trusting me to lead the Dawgs and for bestowing this incredible opportunity. My husband, Brian, along with our daughter Blakely are looking forward to living in the best city in the Southeast as we plug in to Athens.”

Brennan played golf collegiately as Western Carolina University

May 20

AUGUSTA

After nine years as the head coach of Augusta University women’s golf team, Caroline Haase-Hegg announced her resignation Monday.

“I want to thank Augusta University for an amazing nine years,” said Haase-Hegg. “It is so hard to walk away voluntarily from a career that has given me so much, but in my heart I know it is time for me to step down from coaching and focus on something else… and when you know, you know. Thank you to the players and coaches that I’ve been blessed to work with, Coach Bryant for giving me this chance, our athletic director Ryan Erlacher who has been amazingly supportive to me on and off the course, and also the Augusta University Birdie Club. Please keep fighting for these student athletes and it will be my honor to be a member from outside the golf house. I am filled with gratitude and I will always be a Jaguar.”

In 2023, she led Augusta to the NCAA National Championships for the first time in program history.  She also guided the Jaguars to five team tournament wins, three consecutive Southland Conference championships, and six NCAA Regional Championships Appearances.

May 14

GRAND CANYON

Grand Canyon University announced on Tuesday that women’s golf head coach Lauren Giesecke has stepped down from her position after nine seasons leading the program.

“We would like to thank Coach Giesecke for her nine seasons as GCU’s women’s golf head coach,” Vice President of Athletics Jamie Boggs said. “We wish her the best moving forward.”

Giesecke, whose team led the nation in head-to-head wins with 148-21 won-loss record, completed her ninth season at Grand Canyon. During her tenure, the Lopes claimed one WAC Championship in the 2017-18 season.

The 2024-25 academic year will be GCU’s final year in the WAC before transitioning to the West Coast Conference.

An immediate national search is underway for the next head coach of the Lopes program.

May 14

PENN STATE

Penn State head coach Kristen Simpson announced the hiring of Megan Furtney as assistant coach.

“I am excited to welcome Megan to Happy Valley! Her experience as both a student-athlete at Duke as well as Minnesota will be a great asset to our players and program,” commented Simpson. “Megan knows what it takes to compete and win at the national level! In addition, she will bring a ton of energy and passion to the team as well as the recruiting trail. I can’t wait for her to get started.”

Furtney, a St. Charles, Illinois, native recently completed her Master of Education in Sports Management at the University of Minnesota where she competed in all 10 tournaments for the Gophers this past season. Prior to her time in the Twin Cities, Furtney was a four-year member and two-year captain of the women’s golf team at Duke University where she graduated in 2023 with a degree in psychology and a minor in environmental science.

As a senior at Duke in 2022-23, Furtney helped lead the Blue Devils to second place finishes at the ACC Championship and the NCAA Regionals finishing tied for 15th and tied for 28th, individually at each event, her best two finishes of the season. Furtney was also a four-time WGCA All-American Scholar and a four-time ACC Honor Roll Student during her time in Durham.

“I’m excited to join a university like Penn State with such a rich tradition of exceptional academics and athletics! It is such an honor to be able to work alongside Coach Simpson,” mentioned Furtney. “I’m looking forward to continuing to build on the success of the women’s golf program in Happy Valley, this is a special place and I can’t wait to get to work with the team!”

May 13

COLORADO

Last fall, long-time Colorado head women’s golf coach Anne Kelly announced her retirement effective at the end of the 2023-24 season. Associate head coach Madeleine Sheils will be named head coach on July 1 when Kelly officially steps down.

With Sheils moving up, Colorado has an opening and is looking to hire an assistant coach. The position could be hired by June 1.

May 11

AUSTIN PEAY

Austin Peay State University has named Easton Key its new head men’s golf coach.

Key, who recently helped lead Arkansas State to a Sun Belt Conference championship, has spent the past three seasons as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Arkansas State. Prior to his time on the staff at Arkansas State, he spent four seasons as the head men’s golf coach at Delta State after serving as a men’s and women’s assistant coach at Omaha during the 2016-17 season. Key began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Arkansas State, where he worked from 2014-16.

“I’m extremely grateful and fired up to be named head coach of the Austin Peay men’s golf team,” said Key.

A native of Meridian, Key transferred to Arkansas State after two seasons at Meridian Community College, where he helped lead the Eagles to a runner-up finish at the 2010 NJCAA National Championship.

Key replaces Robbie Wilson. Austin Peay did not renew Wilson’s contract.

May 10

RICE

Rice University will add women’s golf for the 2026-27 season.

Thanks to a $5 million commitment from a former Rice women’s basketball player, Rice will expand its opportunities for female student-athletes with the introduction of women’s golf to the Owls’ list of intercollegiate sports.

Rice Vice President and Director of Athletics Tommy McClelland announced on Friday that Lynn Laverty Elsenhans, and her husband, John, have endowed Rice Athletics with one of the largest gift by any former female student-athlete to offer future generations of competitive women golfers the opportunity to attend Rice and compete for the Owls.

“In our conversations with Lynn, she made it very clear that this was a sport she wanted to support, and it is one that made sense,” McClelland stated. “25 schools in the state of Texas compete at the Division I level. 24 of them have women’s golf. Rice was the only one that did not… until now,” said McClelland.

Elsenhans was one of the initial group of women who ushered in the era of intercollegiate athletics at Rice as a letter winner on the Owls’ first basketball team in 1974-75 and went on to a distinguished career as an executive in the energy industry.

“College golf is one of the sports that’s both an individual sport and a team sport, and golf is a game in which you learn humility and it builds character,” said Elsenhans. “It’s the only sport in which you call penalties on yourself. John and I wanted to make this gift to have top scholars who play golf, have the opportunity to choose Rice.”

Rice will immediately launch a national search for the program’s first head coach who will begin the process of identifying and recruiting the student-athletes. An announcement on the future home course for Rice women’s golf will be announced in the coming months.

May 9

MINNESOTA

University of Minnesota women’s golf coach Rhyll Brinsmead has announced that she will leave the program – and the coaching profession – at the conclusion of the upcoming NCAA Championships to spend more time with her family.

Minnesota will be represented by Isabella McCauley at the May 17-22 NCAA Championships at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, Calif. McCauley advanced to the national championship tournament with a second-place finish at the Auburn Regional site yesterday.

“I have loved every minute of building this program, and I am so proud of the current state of the program and the work we have done in the last three-and-a-half years,” said Brinsmead. “I want to thank the Minnesota golf community for embracing my vision and supporting me wholeheartedly, as I absolutely loved keeping Minnesotans home.

“I owe a great amount of gratitude to Mark Coyle and Julie Manning for trusting me to lead this program. It was a tremendous responsibility and one I took seriously. The steps forward we made during my time as head coach are all due to the commitment and investment of our amazing athletes. The athletes are the hardest people to leave, and I want to truly thank you for being Gophers.

“Thank you to our donors and supporters, Minnesota is a special place due to the fans. After 21 years in coaching, I am excited to switch roles and start a new adventure with my family.”

Brinsmead was named Minnesota head coach in January 2021 after spending 13 years as the head coach at Kennesaw State. She was also an assistant coach at Iowa State from 2005-07.

Brinsmead-coached Gophers rank first, second and fourth in school history in 18-hole score, first, second, sixth and eighth in 36-hole score and first, second, fifth, eighth and tenth in 54-hole score. Minnesota also set a school record for the lowest 18-hole round (263 at the 2022 Evie Odom Invitational) and the lowest 54-hole round (845 at the 2022 Evie Odom Invitational) under Brinsmead.

“We thank Rhyll for her dedication and passion in leading our women’s golf program,” said Coyle. “The program is headed in the right direction, and we wish Rhyll and her family all the best moving forward. We will immediately start a national search for our next head coach.”

May 9

GEORGIA

Director of Athletics Josh Brooks announced a change in leadership of the Georgia women’s golf program on Thursday.

Josh Brewer just completed his 12th season as head coach at Georgia and guided the program to 16 tournament wins.

“I sincerely thank Josh Brewer for his 12 years leading our women’s golf team,” Brooks said. “We feel it is in the best interest of our program to move in a different direction. We wish Josh all the best and appreciate the time he has spent here at the University of Georgia.”

Brewer and the Bulldogs just completed the 2024 season with a sixth-place finish in the NCAA Auburn Regional. Overall, his teams qualified for regionals 10 times and advanced to the NCAA National Championships on four occasions.

A national search for Georgia’s next head coach will begin immediately.

May 8

LOUISIANA-MONROE

Nathan Weant has been named the head men’s golf coach of the University of Louisiana Monroe. Weant served as the interim head coach at this year’s Sun Belt Conference Golf Championships in April and helped lead the Warhawks to a runner-up finish. Weant was previously an assistant coach for the ULM golf program and has coached for over five seasons at the Division I level.

“We are thrilled to welcome Nathan Weant as our new head men’s golf coach,” said Director of Athletics John Hartwell. “I was fortunate to get to witness Nathan’s ‘audition’ when he served as our interim head coach a couple of weeks ago in the Sun Belt Championships. His knowledge of the game and interaction with our student-athletes was outstanding. His skill set as a recruiter and a strong player development guy will be great assets for our program. The fact that Nathan has been an assistant coach here at ULM, and has strong relationships at Bayou Desiard Country Club and throughout Northeast Louisiana, will serve both him and our program well. The future of ULM men’s golf and Warhawk athletics is bright!”

Weant previously served as an assistant coach for his alma mater, Texas Tech, for three seasons on the men’s golf coaching staff.

Before his time in Monroe as a coach, Weant was the head men’s golf coach at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa and led the program to the 2018 NJCAA Division I National Championship. Weant was named the NJCAA Dave Williams National Coach of the Year, the Delnor Poss National Coach of the Year and NJCAA District 3 Coach of the Year.

Weant played collegiately at Texas Tech for three seasons and played his final two years at Stephen F. Austin.

April 19

CALIFORNIA

After spending the last 29 seasons as the founding head coach of the California women’s golf program, Nancy McDaniel has announced her retirement.

Since the program debuted in 1995-96, McDaniel has guided the program to 10 NCAA Championships and 22 NCAA Regionals.

“It is with a grateful heart that I reflect on my time here at Cal,” said McDaniel. “I have had the pleasure of coaching some of the most talented and brightest women athletes at a world class university. Together with our supporters, administrators, and players, we created a very special Cal women’s golf family.”

McDaniel, who is from Portland, Oregon and played her college golf at the University of Washington from 1984-88 where she was an All American and earned Pac-10 All-Decade Team honors.

After garnering back-to-back Pac-10 and West Regional Coach of the Year awards in 2001 and 2002, McDaniel led the Bears to a nation-best seven first-place tournament finishes in 2002-03, their highest-ever national ranking at No. 2, and their first of two Pac 10/12 championships. After winning the NCAA Central Regional in 2003, the Bears went on to have three straight top-five showings at the NCAA Championships from 2004-06, including a program-best fourth-place finish in 2004.

“I am forever thankful that Cal took a chance on me 29 years ago as it led to a dream career.  Having the ability to use golf, a sport that I absolutely love, as a vehicle in mentoring young women both competitively and personally has been profound,” McDaniel said. “The joy comes from watching them step into greatness in all parts of their life and creating relationships with them that last a lifetime. I want to thank my associate head coach and dear friend Bev Terry for always handling our players with positivity, care and compassion, and for supporting me through these last eight years together.”

April 19

 SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

Saluki Athletics has announced that women’s golf head coach Cindy Bodmer will retire at the end of the 2023-24 season.

Bodmer has served as SIU’s women’s golf coach since September of 2022. She is well-known in the local golf community for starting the women’s golf program at Rend Lake College in 1999 and guiding that program to 15 NJCAA National Championship appearances.

“It was an absolute pleasure to work alongside Coach Bodmer these last two seasons,” said SIU Director of Golf Justin Fetcho “She poured everything she had into the program and I can’t thank her enough for her contributions both on and off the course. We wish Cindy the absolute best in her retirement and know that she will always be a Saluki.”

After her first season at Southern, Bodmer overhauled the program’s roster by bringing in six freshmen for the 2023-24 campaign, setting a solid foundation for the future.

“Leaving a program is never easy, but I take great comfort in the knowledge it is in great hands moving forward,” Bodmer said. “Coach Fetcho is a proven winner, and I feel fortunate to have worked with him these last two years. I also want to give a shout-out to my dedicated assistant coach, Sarah Haas, for her unwavering commitment to our student athletes. During my time at SIU, teaming with the athletic staff and coaches here was an amazing experience, one I will always hold dear.”

Saluki Athletics will conduct a national search this spring to hire Bodmer’s successor. The job is currently posted and calls can be made to Fetcho.

March 1

MOREHOUSE

Morehouse College has announced the appointment of Edgar Evans Jr. as the head coach of the esteemed Maroon Tigers golf team. An accomplished golf professional, entrepreneur and former Southern University golf team member, Evans brings over eight years of experience to inspire the team to unprecedented heights.

“Coach Evans is a transformative leader who brings a dynamic blend of expertise in golf and entrepreneurship to our program,” says Morehouse College athletic director Harold Ellis ’92. “His commitment to excellence and the holistic development of our student-athletes aligns seamlessly with the Morehouse ethos. We believe Coach Evans will inspire our golf team to achieve new heights, fostering a culture of success and sportsmanship that will make the Morehouse community proud.”

Evans joins Morehouse Athletics as the department expands its partnerships with corporations that support the Morehouse Mission and the college’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. One of those corporations is Eastside Golf, a global lifestyle apparel brand dedicated to driving change in golf culture on and off the course. Eastside has donated academic and sports funding for student athletes. Last week, Eastside Golf founders and former Morehouse Golf teammates, Olajuwon Ajakanku (‘12) and Earl Cooper (‘11) visited Morehouse to present the golf team with new clothes, shoes, book bags, and golf bags during a Feb. 22 ceremony held outside the Kilgore Student Center.

Coach Evans and the golf team also received the keys to a custom-painted Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Passenger Van adorned with Maroon Tigers’ and Eastside Golf Swingman logos. The van is on loan to the team for two years.

Ellis, Morehouse’s Athletic Director, said the gifts demonstrate that supporters of Morehouse Athletics are dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers, advancing inclusion and equity in communities, and making a difference for underrepresented student athletes in golf.

“We appreciate the support of our community partners. With these contributions and a new coach at the helm, the Maroon Tigers Golf Team is poised for success,” said Ellis. “Coach Evans has a national profile in golf and will help the team become even more competitive as he attracts new donors to support golf at Morehouse.”

January 26

CLEMSON

Katy Nahm has been named assistant women’s golf coach at Clemson.

Nahm spent time as an assistant coach/associate head coach at Kansas. Before heading to KU in 2011, Nahm spent two years as an instructor/coach at the Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. 

Nahm was an assistant coach at Coastal Carolina from 2007-09 and helped the team to a Big South Conference Championship in 2009. 

Nahm played golf at Coastal Carolina and was a three-time All-Big South selection, as well as the league’s freshman of the year, in 2004. In her sophomore season the Lady Chanticleers won the conference team title and she was the individual runner-up.

January 24

JAMES MADISON

James Madison Director of Athletics Jeff Bourne announced Carter Cheves has been extended as head coach of the men’s golf program through the 2027-28 season.

“Carter has been a positive presence and steadying force for our men’s golf program at James Madison,” Bourne said. “He inherited the program amid the COVID pandemic with his first competitive season a shortened spring campaign in 2021 before then facing CAA ineligibility due to transition in 2022. As the program moved to the Sun Belt, the team had a respectable first season in 2022-23 and has already climbed significantly in Sun Belt rankings based upon Fall results this year. He is a positive role model leading our student-athletes not only on the golf course but in all aspects of their collegiate experience. We’re excited for him to continue leading the young men in our golf program.”

Cheves has been part of the JMU men’s golf program for 10 years, first serving as an assistant coach from 2013-2018. After one year away from the program, he returned in 2019 to serve as associate head coach for one year before being named head coach in the summer of 2020. He served one year as head coach at Ohio for the 2018-19 season before returning to James Madison. He also filled the head coaching role for three seasons at Western Carolina prior to his first JMU stint.

Cheves graduated from UNCW in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Prior to UNCW, he played for two years at NC State.

USC UPSTATE

USC Upstate head men’s and women’s golf coach Todd Lawton has announced the hire of Matt Smith as the program’s assistant coach for the men’s and women’s programs.

Smith joins USC Upstate after two seasons as the head men’s golf coach at his alma mater, Truett McConnell University, in Cleveland, Georgia.

In 2022-23, TMU recorded the best season in program history, being ranked as high as No. 13 nationally at the close of the fall season. TMU would go on to claim the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) championship, earning a bid to the NAIA National Championships.

Smith was tabbed AAC Coach of the Year with student-athlete Caden Sanders bringing home AAC medalist honors. Both awards were firsts in program history. Competing in the National Championship, the Bears made the cut for the final round as a team and finished 13th (of 29 teams), marking the best finish in program history.

“I am thrilled to add Matt to our golf staff and look forward to his experience and golf acumen giving our players another resource to get the most out of their games on the course and life off the course,” said USC Upstate head men’s and women’s golf coach Todd Lawton. “As an accomplished player on his own, he brings a strong resume that will help him make an immediate impact. As a person, he is a man of high integrity and moral character and that resonated with me in the process of hiring our newest assistant coach.”

January 23

PEPPERDINE

Jason Allred, a 2014 Pepperdine Athletics Hall of Fame inductee and the first-ever recipient of the prestigious Byron Nelson Award, has been hired as an assistant coach at Pepperdine.

“I’m very thankful Jason is with us,” said head coach Michael Beard. “He will bring experience, competitiveness, a passion to serve, as well as a relational approach. Jason’s high character and love for Pepperdine will make this an easy transition for everyone involved with our program.”

Most recently, Allred has enjoyed working with a Christian Ministry called College Golf Fellowship (CGF) and continues to enjoy the opportunity of serving the world of collegiate and professional players through CGF.

Allred competed for the Waves from 1998-2002, helping lead the squad to West Coast Conference titles all four years he was in the lineup. The team advanced to the NCAA Championships twice, finishing in a tie for 23rd place in 2000 and eighth place in 2002.

He also earned a major prize given for the first time in 2002, the Byron Nelson Award, which is presented to a graduating men’s senior by the GCAA. The honor takes into account a nominee’s entire academic career, college golf career and his character and integrity while in college.

Allred, who is from Ashland, Oregon, arrived at Pepperdine with a victory at the 1997 U.S. Junior Championships.

After graduating, Allred reached golf’s highest level when he earned PGA Tour cards in 2005, 2008 and 2014. Other years, he competed on the Korn Ferry Tour. Throughout his career Allred competed in five major championships, 70 PGA Tour events and 152 tournaments on the Korn Ferry Tour.

January 23

TROY

Nathan Griffin is the new assistant coach for the Troy men’s and women’s golf teams. Griffin joins the Troy staff following a stint as the assistant tournament director for the Alabama Junior Golf Organization.

Prior to his run with the AJGO, Griffin was an operations and administration assistant for the Auburn men’s and women’s golf teams during the fall of 2022, following a year as a graduate assistant for the Jacksonville State athletics department during the 2021-22 athletics season.

Griffin began his professional career as a first teaching assistant at Cider Ridge for 15 months before moving into the assistant pro role at the club for 18 months before moving into the collegiate athletics realm at Jacksonville State.

He was a four-year letterwinner at Faulkner.

January 10

NC STATE

North Carolina State women’s golf coach Page Marsh has made the decision to retire effective immediately. Marsh has served as head coach since its re-establishment in 2000,

Darby Sligh, who joined the Wolfpack staff in June 2018, will succeed Marsh as the program’s next head coach. Sligh just wrapped up her fifth season with the Wolfpack after previously serving as the head coach at Illinois State for 11 seasons (2007-18). 

“After 24 years, the time has come for me to retire from an extremely rewarding career here at NC State,” said Marsh. “I am so proud to have witnessed all the growth and incredible achievements these student-athletes have gained on and off the golf course. Thank you to all who have enriched my life in so many ways. I wish everyone associated with NC State continued success as you navigate the path to fulfill your dreams.”

Marsh, who was named 2002 ACC Coach of the Year, has guided NC State to 11 team tournament wins, 19 NCAA Regional Championship appearances and four NCAA Championship team berths over the last 23 years.

January 10

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

Southern Illinois’ Cindy Bodmer announced she will retire at the end of the 2023-24 season.

Bodmer has served as SIU’s women’s golf coach since September of 2022. She is well-known in the local golf community for starting the women’s golf program at Rend Lake College in 1999 and guiding that program to 15 NJCAA National Championship appearances.

“It was an absolute pleasure to work alongside Coach Bodmer these last two seasons,” said SIU Director of Golf Justin Fetcho. “She poured everything she had into the program, and I can’t thank her enough for her contributions both on and off the course. We wish Cindy the absolute best in her retirement and know that she will always be a Saluki.”

After her first season at Southern, Bodmer overhauled the program’s roster by bringing in six freshmen for the 2023-24 campaign.

“Leaving a program is never easy, but I take great comfort in the knowledge it is in great hands moving forward,” Bodmer said. “Coach Fetcho is a proven winner, and I feel fortunate to have worked with him these last two years. I also want to give a shout-out to my dedicated assistant coach, Sarah Haas, for her unwavering commitment to our student athletes. During my time at SIU, teaming with the athletic staff and coaches here was an amazing experience, one I will always hold dear.”

Southern Illinois will conduct a national search this spring to hire Bodmer’s successor.