Interim Women’s Golf Coach Tapped for Head Coaching Job

Kelly Hovland, interim coach of the University of Maryland women’s golf team, has been named head coach following a nationwide search.

“We are thrilled to hire Kelly as the new head coach of our women’s golf program at Maryland,” said Athletic Director Damon Evans. “Kelly has been a vital part of the most successful season in Maryland women’s golf history. We are excited for her to lead the program and build on the momentum of last season’s NCAA Championship appearance and top-20 ranking. She has a wealth of experience in the state of Maryland, and we look forward to her continuing her success leading the Terrapins.”

Hovland served as an assistant coach at Maryland for two seasons (2019-21) before being tapped to serve as interim head coach in June, after Diana Cantú’s departure to her alma mater Tennessee as women’s head coach.

While assistant coach, she helped lead the Terrapins to back-to-back record-setting seasons. Under Hovland’s guidance, Maryland improved its national ranking from 43rd to 14th and its scoring average to 294.65.

"I’m excited and humbled to be named the next head women's golf coach at the University of Maryland,” said Hovland. “Thank you to Damon Evans, Colleen Sorem, Libby Ellis and the entire leadership team for their support and belief in my vision for the future of this program. I look forward to building on the foundation of success established by Diana Cantú and leading our team to a championship."

Maryland’s accomplishments under Hovland include helping coach the Terps to an NCAA regional and first NCAA Championship appearance, seven top-three finishes during the 2020-21 season, a team win at the Hurricane Invitational, and multiple individual performance and academic honors.

Additionally, she played a critical role in planning and executing the player development strategy, individual and team practices, travel and played an active role in recruiting some of Maryland’s top student-athletes.

Before Maryland, Hovland was the associate head coach at the U.S. Naval Academy for seven seasons (2012-19). She helped lead the team to its first Patriot League team title in 2017 and back-to-back runner-up finishes in the two seasons prior.