Jan. 8, 2008

Longtime University of South Carolina Women’s Golf Coach Kristi Coggins has resigned her position effective immediately, Athletics Director Eric Hyman announced today.

“My time at the helm of the Lady Gamecocks has been one of many successes and overwhelming pride,” said Coggins. “I cherish the young ladies that I have been so very blessed to coach over the years. Their hard work and dedication has made this a Top-25 nationally-ranked program consistently,” continued Coggins. “I am confident that in the best interest of this team and of this program, this is the right time for me to step aside and let another coach accept this challenge. I wish nothing but the best for the program and the University. My passion for coaching remains and I look forward to following the team’s future successes.”

Coggins, who was in her 14th year at South Carolina and in her 22nd year as a collegiate head coach, has directed the Gamecocks to 12 post-season trips, highlighted by six NCAA Championship appearances and the 2002 SEC title. Named the 1999 SEC Coach of the Year, Coggins has coached eight former Gamecocks who went on to have professional careers, including three currently in the LPGA.

“We appreciate all that Kristi has given to the women’s golf program at the University of South Carolina,” said Hyman. “She has worked to build Carolina Women’s Golf into a nationally-prominent program. I’m especially proud of the team’s accomplishments in the classroom. The women’s golf team has consistently been at the top of our list for team grade point average throughout Kristi’s tenure. We wish her all the best.”

Since Coggins took over the program in 1994, the Gamecocks have participated in the NCAA Regionals in every year except 1998. Their best finish came in 1995 when they tied for ninth place at the NCAA meet in her first year at Carolina. Coggins also coached two players who went on to win the prestigious Dinah Shore Trophy, as Adrienne Gautreaux received the honor in 2004 and Erica Battle was the 2006 recipient. The Dinah Shore Trophy honors the top women’s golfer in the nation who combines success on the golf course with success in the classroom, service to the community and extraordinary leadership. In addition, Gautreaux and Kristy McPherson were contestants on The Golf Channel’s “Big Break.”

“I have certainly enjoyed the past 13 years working with Kristi,” said Director of Golf Puggy Blackmon. “She has been a big part of the golf program at USC for a long time. We appreciate all that she has done for the program and wish her the best in her future endeavors. We will begin a search immediately to find the best possible candidate to replace her. In the meantime, assistant coach Mike Burcin and I will oversee the women’s program on a day-to-day basis.”

Coggins came to South Carolina following nine highly-successful seasons at Texas Christian University. She led the Horned Frogs to five NCAA appearances, with three of her squads advancing to the NCAA finals. All of Coggins’ TCU squads finished the season ranked 26th or better in the nation.