EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) - Blugold alum Meghan Sobotta will become the new head women's golf coach effective immediately after John Means announced he has accepted a position at an NCAA Division I program.
"We've been very fortunate over the last five years to have one of the best coaches in the business," Director of Athletics Scott Kilgallon said. "It is rare to have a successful Division I coach lead a Division III program, and I knew it wouldn't be long before a Division I school would hire John. We wish Coach Means the best of luck with his new position."
Means led the Blugolds for five seasons and guided the team to two Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles (2006 and 2009). He also led the Blugolds to a third place finish at the 2010 NCAA Division III Championship. In previous seasons at NCAA championships, his team had the following finishes: fifth in 2006, sixth in 2009, seventh in 2007 and 13th in 2008. Means was also named the 2010 NCAA Division III SkyCaddie NGCA Regional Coach of the Year as well as the 2008-09 WIAC Coach of the Year. Means' complete bio can be found at http://www.uwecblugolds.com/?view=directory&sport=wgolf&coach=61.
"We are fortunate to have Meghan in a position to lead the women's golf program," Kilgallon said. "She has been part of the team, both as a player or assistant coach since 2004 and knows the program very well. I am excited to have Meghan on board to continue to build the women's golf team."
Sobotta, who golfed for the Blugolds from 2004-08, has been an assistant for the team each season since she graduated. As the Blugolds' assistant, Sobotta has worked closely with the team on and off the course. She has also been an instructor at various golf camps in the upper Midwest and has in-depth knowledge of golf course management.
As a Blugold golfer, Sobotta was a four-year starter and part of the group that competed at nationals each season she was on the team. Her best finish at nationals came during her senior season as she took fourth place individually. During her freshman year, the team tied for third place overall.
A graduate of Arcadia High School, Sobotta received honors as an All-American three times and was named an All-Region selection four times. She also won WIAC medalist honors in 2007 and was an All-WIAC pick three times.
"I am very excited to have this opportunity. I want the very best for this team and the girls individually," Sobotta said. "I want to make this as easy as possible for them and to continue the success of the team. I have big shoes to fill following Coach Means but feel I can continue to build this highly successful program."
