Connelly Takes Over As Edgewood's Women's Golf Coach

MADISON, Wis. -- The Edgewood College women's golf team enters the 2012-13 season as the Northern Athletics Conference defending champion, but they will defend their league title with a new coach at the helm. Former assistant coach Katie Connelly will assume head coaching duties for the upcoming season, taking the reins from Gary Oftedahl who has coached both the men's and women's programs since the 2006-07 season. Oftedahl will remain as the Eagles' men's golf coach.

 

"I am very grateful and thankful that Gary Oftedahland Director of Athletics Al Brisack gave me the opportunity to coach a great group of talented women for the past year and a half," said Connelly. "These women have proven that there is so much potential at Edgewood College to be one of the strongest Division III women's golf programs in the country. I'm looking forward to a fun and successful season."

 

A native of Beloit, Connelly completed her collegiate golf career at the University of Wisconsin in 2003, graduating with a career scoring of average of 77.79 which ranked second in school history at that time. She won 2003 NCAA Central Regional individual medalist honors which helped the Badgers make their first ever NCAA National Championship appearance. She was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten winner and an All-Big Ten selection in 2003.

 

She spent four seasons playing professionally on the Duarmend Futures Golf Tour, before spending three years away from the game. She re-entered the golf scene in 2011 handling membership services at Cherokee Country Club in Madison, before joining the Eagle program last season to serve as an assistant coach. The Eagles claimed their first Northern Athletics Conference title last fall under the watchful eyes of Oftedahl and Connelly.

 

I'd like to welcome coach Connelly to the Eagle athletic staff," said Director of Athletics Al Brisack. "We have been very fortunate to have Gary Oftedahl leading both programs but it's time we have our women's program make the next step now and Katie's just the person to lead them forward. As our assistant she's shown that she can translate her knowledge into teaching, and the players respond well to her. Our women's golf program has shown the potential to be one of the nation's best and I'm excited for the future with Katie leading them."

 

Connelly's head coaching debut will take place at the UW-Eau Claire Invitational on September 1-2. The Eagles will attempt to defend their NAC Championship on September 29-October 1 at The Ridges of Sand Creek in Jordan, Minnesota.