Flashes Sign VanDamme to Three-Year Contract Extension
5/30/2024 4:00:00 PM | Women's Golf
KENT- Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Randale L. Richmond has announced a three-year contract extension for Head Women's Golf Coach Casey VanDamme.
The extension places Coach VanDamme under contract through the 2027-28 season.
"I am thrilled to announce a contract extension for Coach VanDamme," Richmond said. "Over the last three seasons, Casey has not only continued the outstanding tradition of excellence of Kent State Women's Golf but continued to elevate the program on a national level. With him at the helm, I am excited for the future of our women's golf program as we graduate student-athletes, boldly prepared for life after sport and continue to win championships."
The fourth coach in program history, VanDamme has continued the tradition of his three predecessors, winning the Mid-American Conference Championship in each of his three seasons. In each of the last two, VanDamme has guided an individual to the National Championships with Leon Takagi punching her ticket in 2023 and Veronika Kendronova doing so this season.
"I am grateful that Randale Richmond and Kent State University has entrusted me to continue to lead the women's golf program!" VanDamme said. "The future of Kent State golf is bright and I look forward to achieving our programs goals. Go Flashes!"
Success at the college golf coaching level is nothing new for VanDamme, having a successful seven-year run at South Dakota State prior to Kent State. 51 golfers were named to the Summit League Honor Roll, under VanDamme. He coached 22 all-conference golfers, three players of the year, three individual Summit League champions, two newcomers of the year and the first women's golf All-American.
Prior to being named just the second full-time head coach in South Dakota State history, he was the director of instruction and player development for the University of Tennessee's men's program for five seasons. During that time, the Vols earned the first number-one ranking in program history and made the NCAA tournament all five seasons with three NCAA finals appearances.
Players Mentioned
