Feb. 12, 2014
NORMAL, Ill. -
Chelsea Harris is entering her first year as the Illinois State women's golf assistant coach, as announced by head coach Darby Sligh. Harris comes to Illinois State by way of Iowa, where she was a decorated player and instructor for Iowa's summer golf program.
Harris is eager to become a part of the decorated golf program and begin coaching on familiar ground.
"I am so excited to begin my coaching career in my hometown at Illinois State," Harris said. "This program, and all of the individuals involved, have always meant so much to me and words can't express how happy I am to officially be a member of the Redbird family. You couldn't ask for a better group of girls to start with, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help them reach their goals."
A Bloomington, Ill., native, Harris was a member of the three-time state championship University High School golf team. In addition to being a letterwinner all four years, she was a two-time most valuable player and conference champion. Simultaneously, she worked as a pro-shop supervisor at Illinois State's own Weibring Golf Club, where she holds a course record (70).
Harris began her colligate career in Iowa in 2008, where she was a four-year letterwinner (2008-2012) and captain of their 2011-2012 squad. She boasted a top-10 finish at the 2012 Big Ten Conference Tournament and was subsequently awarded the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award honoree. During her time there, she was also a member of the Iowa Student Athlete Advisory Committee, helping the Iowa administration meet the needs of their student athletes.
In 2013, Harris set her sights on professional golf qualifying and playing in both the US Women's Open and the Cactus Tour. She also placed third in the 2013 Illinois Women's open and was one shot short of the playoff for first.
Look for Harris to make an immediate impact, as the Redbirds travel Amelia Island, Fla., to compete in the Amelia Island Collegiate, Monday, February 17.
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