University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Golf
Smith Inks Contract Extension
5/19/2022 2:57:00 PM | Men's Golf
Former All-American receives three-year contract extension that will keep him in Maroon and Gold through the 2024-25 season
Director of Athletics Mark Coyle announced today that men's golf coach Justin Smith has agreed to a three-year contract extension that will keep him in Maroon and Gold through the 2024-25 season.
Smith, who is one of the most decorated players in the history of the program, was named head coach of his alma mater on June 24, 2019. Prior to being named the ninth head coach in program history, Smith was the program's associate head coach for two seasons and was an assistant coach since September 2014.
"I am incredibly grateful to Mark Coyle for the opportunity to continue to lead this program," said Smith. "Minnesota golf and this University have helped shape who I am as an individual and have provided me with so many amazing opportunities. I am excited to continue to work to elevate this program and to offer our student-athletes a world-class experience on the course, in the classroom and in the community."
Minnesota has won two tournaments under Smith's tutelage – the 2021 Git R Done Husker Invitational and the 2019 Macdonald Cup – which was its first titles since claiming the Big Ten Championship in 2014. Individually, Angus Flanagan won three tournaments with Smith as the head coach and 19 student-athletes have been named Academic All-Big Ten (2022 honors have not been announced yet).
"Justin defines Minnesota golf," said Coyle. "He was a tremendous competitor during his playing days, was an All-American and helped lead the team to the 2002 National Championship. As a coach, he continues to have that same determined mentality to improve every day and work toward bettering the lives and collegiate experience of his student-athletes."
Smith competed for the Gophers from 2000-04 and helped Minnesota advance to the NCAA Finals three times (2001, 2002 and 2003). He helped the Gophers win the Big Ten titles in 2002 and 2003 and drained the putt on the 18th hole that clinched the 2002 national championship. He was inducted into the 'M' Club Hall of Fame in 2018.
Smith, who is one of the most decorated players in the history of the program, was named head coach of his alma mater on June 24, 2019. Prior to being named the ninth head coach in program history, Smith was the program's associate head coach for two seasons and was an assistant coach since September 2014.
"I am incredibly grateful to Mark Coyle for the opportunity to continue to lead this program," said Smith. "Minnesota golf and this University have helped shape who I am as an individual and have provided me with so many amazing opportunities. I am excited to continue to work to elevate this program and to offer our student-athletes a world-class experience on the course, in the classroom and in the community."
Minnesota has won two tournaments under Smith's tutelage – the 2021 Git R Done Husker Invitational and the 2019 Macdonald Cup – which was its first titles since claiming the Big Ten Championship in 2014. Individually, Angus Flanagan won three tournaments with Smith as the head coach and 19 student-athletes have been named Academic All-Big Ten (2022 honors have not been announced yet).
"Justin defines Minnesota golf," said Coyle. "He was a tremendous competitor during his playing days, was an All-American and helped lead the team to the 2002 National Championship. As a coach, he continues to have that same determined mentality to improve every day and work toward bettering the lives and collegiate experience of his student-athletes."
Smith competed for the Gophers from 2000-04 and helped Minnesota advance to the NCAA Finals three times (2001, 2002 and 2003). He helped the Gophers win the Big Ten titles in 2002 and 2003 and drained the putt on the 18th hole that clinched the 2002 national championship. He was inducted into the 'M' Club Hall of Fame in 2018.
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