WMVO Good Times Great Oldies
GAMBIER, Ohio — Evan Willams, a former head golf professional and assistant coach at an NCAA Division I institution, was hired as the first-ever coach of the Kenyon College women’s golf program. The announcement was made today by Jill McCartney, Kenyon’s Director of Athletics, Fitness and Recreation.
Just four months ago, McCartney disclosed that women’s golf would be the latest varsity sport offered by Kenyon and that the new team would begin NCAA competition during the 2025-26 academic year.
Williams will not only be coach, but architect, building the program from the ground up. He’ll dive into his Kenyon work leaning on previous experiences as an assistant coach at Kent State University, as well as head coach at Western Reserve Academy.
“The responsibility to build the foundation of a program from scratch is not one I take lightly. Kenyon athletics have a storied history of success at the conference and national levels, which does not happen without a culture of both excellence and determination,” Williams said. “The men’s golf program has had so much success under Grant [Wallace], so there is excitement in the air, and the preparation done by our administration has already shown me that this is an environment where our golfers can succeed.”
Justin Newell, Kenyon’s Associate Athletics Director and chairperson of the hiring committee, said, “Evan’s energy and passion to start a program with an emphasis on a holistic experience was contagious. He understands the impact a strong education in the classroom and on the golf course can have to prepare individuals for life.”
Prior to his collegiate and high school coaching roles, Williams worked as a course professional in the Columbus area, taking positions at The Lakes Golf and Country Club, as well as at Westchester Golf Course.
His collegiate years were spent at Kent State, where graduated in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in public communication. He returned a few years later to earn his master’s degree in education. During his postgraduate studies, Williams, who will also be Kenyon’s Club Sports Coordinator, worked as a graduate assistant in Kent State’s Student Success Programs and was involved with the Diversity Outreach & Professional Impact team within the athletics department.
Williams, native of Bedford, Ohio, is eager to put that versatile background to the test, paving the way for the road ahead.
“I am most excited about the opportunity to continue the storied traditions of Kenyon College, while also recruiting championship caliber student-athletes to join our women’s golf program. When I first learned about Kenyon College while in graduate school, I was impressed by the blend of academic and athletic achievements. The game of golf teaches our student-athletes so many great lessons on the course, but the opportunity to learn offered in classrooms and labs on campus is second to none. Great students tend to excel on the golf course, and I cannot wait to bring our inaugural team to campus.”
