Lauren Smith tabbed Augusta State interim women?s golf coach
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Former Augusta State standout Lauren Smith has been named the women’s golf interim head coach, Augusta State Director of Athletics Clint Bryant announced Thursday.
Smith, who began her duties on Monday, Jan. 7, replaces Laura Coble, who resigned on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2007, after 16 months on the job.
“Lauren excelled as an outstanding student-athlete and we’re confident she’ll do the same now as a member of our staff,” Bryant said. “She was in our first recruiting class, she was a member of our first NCAA Regional team and she is the only Lady Jaguar to participate in the NCAA Championships. We are very fortunate indeed to have her accept our head women’s golf coach position on an interim basis.”
A four-year letterwinner, Smith enjoyed a celebrated collegiate career that culminated with her selection to the 2006 NCAA Championships as an individual at Ohio State’s Scarlet Course in Columbus, Ohio. As a senior, Smith led the Lady Jaguars to their first NCAA postseason appearance in the program’s first year of eligibility. ASU finished 11th in the 2006 NCAA East Regional at Bryan Park Golf Club in Browns Summit, N.C., falling just four strokes shy of advancing to the NCAA Championships. Smith tied for sixth individually, posting a one-under 215 (70-72-73) to qualify for the NCAA Championships.
“I’m very excited to be back at Augusta State where I began my college golf career,” said Smith, who earned a B.S. in Biology from ASU in May, 2006. “Although I’m here in a different capacity, it still feels like home. There have been some amazing changes to the program since I was last here. I’ve met with all the ladies now and can’t wait to get started and enjoy the experience and my time with the team.”
An accomplished player, Smith put together one of the top seasons in the young history of the women’s golf program as a senior in 2005-06. She posted two top-five, five top-10 and eight top-20 finishes. She won her first collegiate event on ASU’s home course, capturing the Lady Jaguar Invitational in November, 2005, at Forest Hills Golf Club.
“I’m very excited and fortunate to have Lauren agree to lead our women’s program this spring,” said Josh Gregory, ASU Director of Golf and Head Men’s Coach. “Her efforts on the golf course were equaled in the classroom as well. There is no doubt in my mind she will be a great example for our current players, and will continue the success the Lady Jags enjoyed during the fall season.”
Now in its seventh season, the ASU women’s golf program ended the fall season ranked No. 41 in the nation by Golfweek and No. 46 in the nation byGolfstat.
The Lady Jaguars begin their Spring, 2008 schedule Feb. 17 at the Papa John’s Collegiate Championship in Miami Lakes, Fla.
TRANSACTION
Augusta State — Named Lauren Smith women’s golf interim head coach
Contact:
Joey Warren, Athletic Media Relations Director
