(above) Former Oklahoma State's golf coach, Laura Matthews, resigned under unusual circumstances which led to two of the top recruits in the country switching their commitment to the University of DenverSources: Golf Week
When Oklahoma State women's coach Laura Matthews resigned from her post in October, it set in motion a chain reaction that greatly benefited the University of Denver. Two of the top recruits in women's golf, Sue Kim & Kimberly Kim (not related) suddenly fell in the lap of DU golf coach Sammie Chergo.
“Obviously we are really excited about players we signed,” Chergo said. “Sue Kim is recognized as one of the very top junior players in the world and has an absolute love of the game."
The other key recruit Kimberly Kim, a five-time first-team Rolex Junior All-American, previously had committed to Oklahoma State, as well but changed her mind when head coach Laura Matthews left the program.
Kimberly Kim, a native of Hawaii, currently ranks No. 9 according to the GolfWeek.com girls’ ratings. She claimed the 2006 U.S. Women's Amateur title in Oregon when she was just 14 yearsold. She was 14 months younger than the next-youngest winner in the history of the Women's Amateur, which dates back to 1895.
Matthews’ abrupt resignation from Oklahoma State sent shock waves through the college golf world. One week after Matthews received a verbal commitment from Kimberly Kim – the four-year coach walked away.
“(Athletic Director Mike) Holder has decided to take the program in a different direction,” Matthews said. “I’m going to respect his decision, and therefore I’m resigning.”
Matthews doesn’t have any immediate plans to return to coaching. In an unusual twist she will remain in Stillwater as her husband, Robert, is the director of recruiting for the Oklahoma State football team.
“I definitely still have the desire to coach again,” Matthews said. “I’m just not sure exactly when.”
“Obviously we are really excited about players we signed,” Chergo said. “Sue Kim is recognized as one of the very top junior players in the world and has an absolute love of the game."
The other key recruit Kimberly Kim, a five-time first-team Rolex Junior All-American, previously had committed to Oklahoma State, as well but changed her mind when head coach Laura Matthews left the program.
Kimberly Kim, a native of Hawaii, currently ranks No. 9 according to the GolfWeek.com girls’ ratings. She claimed the 2006 U.S. Women's Amateur title in Oregon when she was just 14 yearsold. She was 14 months younger than the next-youngest winner in the history of the Women's Amateur, which dates back to 1895.
Matthews’ abrupt resignation from Oklahoma State sent shock waves through the college golf world. One week after Matthews received a verbal commitment from Kimberly Kim – the four-year coach walked away.
“(Athletic Director Mike) Holder has decided to take the program in a different direction,” Matthews said. “I’m going to respect his decision, and therefore I’m resigning.”
Matthews doesn’t have any immediate plans to return to coaching. In an unusual twist she will remain in Stillwater as her husband, Robert, is the director of recruiting for the Oklahoma State football team.
“I definitely still have the desire to coach again,” Matthews said. “I’m just not sure exactly when.”
The University of Denver women’s golf team will take part in the NCAA East Regional Championship held in Gainesville, Fla., from May 7-9.
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