June 15, 2011
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IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa Head Women’s Golf Coach Kelly Crawford has resigned after five seasons with the Hawkeyes. The announcement was made Wednesday by Director of Athletics Gary Barta.
“We appreciate the hard work Kelly has put in over the past five years,” said Barta. “We wish her well in her future endeavors.”
The highlight of the 2010-11 season for the Hawkeyes was earning the title at their own Hawkeye Invitational and placing third at the Badger Invitational during the fall season. While placing third at the Wisconsin tournament Iowa established team records for 18, 36 and 54-hole scoring. At the conclusion of the spring season, senior Laura Cilek and sophomore Gigi DiGrazia earned academic all-Big Ten recognition.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I submit my resignation,” said Crawford. “My time here meant the world to me. I loved being a Hawkeye, and my players will always have a special place in my heart. My staff and I have made tremendous strides with the program and I wish my girls all the best!”
Iowa’s highest finish at the Big Ten Championships under Crawford was a fifth place finish in 2009, the best finish at the event for the Hawkeyes since a fourth place finish in 1995. The Hawkeyes placed in the top 10 in seven of 10 events during the 2008-09 season.
Crawford led Iowa to the team title at the Baja Invitational in her second year as Iowa placed in the top 10 in eight tournaments. Iowa also claimed the title at the Hawkeye Invitational in Crawford’s first season at the helm.
Barta said the search for Crawford’s replacement will begin immediately.
Iowa’s eight-player roster this past spring included three seniors. Three 2011 high school graduates have signed national Letters of Intent to join the program in the fall.