The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga will officially begin its search for a new women’s golf coach, after announcing interim Katie Woodruff will not return for the 2026-27 season.
“Thank you. Simple words but deeply heartfelt,” UTC vice chancellor and athletic director Mark Wharton said recently. “Coach Katie Woodruff, we are indebted to you for your commitment to our women’s golf program, and the student-athletes placed in your charge. You carried the Power C with pride and integrity through a challenging time.
“Thank you Blaine and Maverick for sharing her with us in the interim period.”
UTC and long-time coach Colette Murray parted ways back in October and due to the timing, UTC chose to tab Woodruff — whose husband Blaine is the head men’s golf coach — to take over. Woodruff, who has a decade of experience coaching at Pepperdine, Southern California, San Jose State and the University of California, was serving as a volunteer assistant at the University of North Georgia the past couple of seasons.
(READ MORE: UTC women’s golf coach Colette Murray out after 20-year run)
During the transition, multiple players transferred out, with Violeta Fernandez-Tagle and Giulia Foresta heading to North Carolina State; Olivia White leaving for Vanderbilt and Chloe Stevenazzi going to Southern Mississippi. The Mocs were able to add two pieces — Virginia Tech transfer Bella Bugg and freshman Erin Wells — to reach the five-player mark necessary to compete, and improved throughout the season, nearly knocking off Furman to claim the Southern Conference championship last week.
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With just a four-player group, the Mocs were 10 strokes down heading into the final day, but shaved off eight strokes to nearly match the Paladins.
Former UTC player wins title
Esme Hamilton, who played at UTC from 2018-22 and was a two-time All-SoCon performer, recently won the Investec South African Women’s Open as part of the Ladies’ European Tour.
Hamilton, who spent her fifth and final season at Kansas, shot a 15-under 277 to win by two strokes. It’s her first-ever tour title.
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com.
