| Carrie Cole |
SAN ANTONIO ? UTSA Athletics Director Lynn Hickey announced Thursday the hiring of Carrie Cole as the department’s new head women’s golf coach. The Mansfield, Texas, native, who has spent the last four years as an assistant coach at the University of Tennessee, replaces Holly Tothe, who left last month to pursue other career opportunities.
“We are excited to have someone with Carrie's background and experience coming in to continue the work on the outstanding foundation that has been built for our women's golf program.” Associate Athletics Director Liz Dalton said. “We have very high expectations for our team, in the classroom, in the community and on the course, and Carrie is committed to providing an atmosphere where our young ladies can excel in each of those areas. Carrie will be a tremendous asset and a great addition to our athletics department team.”
“I am thrilled to join UTSA and for the opportunity to take the reigns of a young program that Holly Tothe has done so well to build.” Cole said. “I am impressed with the leadership and vision of Athletics Director Lynn Hickey. She is committed to golf and to improving all Roadrunner sports and facilities. I am proud to be a part of the exciting future of UTSA Athletics.
“With the quality of golf courses we are able to use and the support of the San Antonio community, I believe the sky is the limit for the women's golf program. Working hard and competing for many championships are a few things I am looking forward to, as well as developing quality relationships and having many great experiences along the way. I am ready to get back to my roots in Texas.”
Cole’s career extends from the collegiate to the professional levels. She played at Tennessee from 1998-2002. During her stint with the Lady Vols, Cole was four-year letterwinner and earned honorable mention All-Southeastern Conference honors as a junior. She posted three top-20 career finishes and was an SEC Academic Honor Roll selection her last two years. Cole graduated from Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in business marketing in 2002 and carried the bag for her former Lady Vols teammate, Tina Schneeberger, at the 2003 U.S. Women’s Open.
After her collegiate career at Tennessee, Cole competed as a member of the FUTURES Golf Tour from 2003-04. Cole competed in 10 tournaments in 2003 and then became fully exempt the following season. She then worked with the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) in 2004, where she was involved with numerous aspects of tournament operations. She traveled to each tournament to set up the site, assisted in running events and served as an on-site rules official. Her other duties included photography, video and supplying tournament results to national media outlets.
Cole returned to her alma mater in 2004 to begin her coaching career. Her duties with the Lady Vols included helping head coach Judi Pavon with coaching, daily practices and administrative duties such as coordinating recruiting and team travel arrangements.
During her tenure at Tennessee, the Lady Vols made four consecutive trips to NCAA Regional play, including two regional crowns in 2005 and 2006, and three NCAA Championships appearances. The Lady Vols also captured four team titles during her stay. Five players earned all-conference honors (three first-team, two second-team) and NGCA Academic All-America accolades. In addition, Marci Turner and Nicole Smith both earned NGCA honorable mention All-America nods.
During Cole’s senior year at Mansfield High School, she led the squad to the 1998 UIL 5A State Tournament en route to a third-place team finish and seventh-place individual effort. She was honored as the 1998 Dallas-Fort Worth Player of the Year and was presented the prestigious Fighting Tiger Heart award by MHS. Cole was a three-time team captain and team MVP and won more than 30 titles as a junior, including the co-championship of the 1997 PING Texas State Junior. She competed in the 1997 Junior World and U.S. Girls Championship. Cole was an alternate for the 1997 U.S. Women’s Open and was given the 1992 Texas Gladiator Tour Sports Person of the Year award.
“Carrie has always had great passion for the game of golf.” said Tom Relf a former UTSA men’s golf player (1987-88), who is Director of Golf Operations and head coach of the Mexican national golf team. “Her commitment is to make sure her players get the most of what they can as a golf player and student-athlete. She’s always had her team in good standing and that’s why her players look up to her. She will be a good fit at UTSA.”