University of Minnesota Athletics
KATHY WILLIAMS RESIGNS AS GOPHER WOMEN'S GOLF COACH
4/26/1999 12:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
"Eight years ago, we were thrilled to bring back All- American Kathy Williams as our golf coach," said Voelz. "Today, though, we are sad to see her go. We appreciate her many contributions and wish her well with this terrific opportunity."
"I'm excited to take this step which offers a great opportunity for my personal professional growth," said Williams. "It was a very difficult decision to leave the university which has meant so much to me as an athlete and a coach. I sincerely appreciate the opportunities the University of Minnesota has given me. Playing here and coaching here were dreams come true. Now, I'm ready to chase another dream."
Williams ends a long association with the University. She played on the Golden Gopher golf team from 1978-81. During her collegiate career, she earned AIAW All- America honors and was named the Minnesota Women's Athletics Senior Athlete of the Year in 1981. She was also a member of the Gophers' first Big Ten champion golf team in 1978. Williams holds the Minnesota school record with 17 career tournament victories.
After a brief stint on the LPGA tour in 1984-85, Williams turned to coaching and eventually returned to her alma mater in the fall of 1991 as head golf coach. Her teams have earned three invitations to NCAA Regional Tournaments, all coming within the last five years. Williams was honored as the Big Ten Coach of the Year in 1992 after leading the Gophers to a second- place showing, Minnesota's best finish during her eight-year tenure. She was honored as the 1998 LPGA Midwest Coach of the Year, an award presented by Top- Flite/Etonic based on varied criteria ranging from team accomplishments to displaying leadership and dedication to the golf coaching community.
The Gophers head to West Lafayette, Ind., this weekend, April 30-May 2, to compete in the Big Ten Conference Tournament.