By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. Patrick Daugherty has been hired as the head coach of the mens and womens golf teams at Willamette University. Daugherty served as the assistant mens and womens golf coach at Willamette during the past three seasons. He will assume his new responsibilities immediately.

Im extremely excited, Daugherty said about becoming the head coach. We have been building a foundation for both our mens and womens golf programs for the last three years and I think this year we will really see the impact of that.

Although its a move up from assistant coach to head coach, Daugherty doesnt anticipate too many changes in his list of duties.

I will be making more administrative decisions, Daugherty commented. My coaching duties still stay the same: I will continue to push for excellence in a positive environment. I will continue to expect that our players act accordingly and represent Willamette University and their team in a positive way.

As an assistant coach for the Bearcats, Daugherty traveled to most of the tournaments for the mens and womens teams. When both teams were competing on the same day at different sites, he would travel with one team and former Head Coach Noah Horstman would travel with the other. As a result, Daugherty received experience leading one team by himself at two or three tournaments each year.

I feel very comfortable traveling with one or both teams, Daugherty said. What excites me most is that I get to teach young adults and make a positive impact on them. I look forward to being a positive role model and motivator to both teams. And, of course, there is more than a little excitement I feel getting to (be a head) coach at the collegiate level. This is something I have been preparing for over the past 10 years, and I am very blessed to have this opportunity.

Daugherty attended Western Oregon University and graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Psychology and a minor in Sociology.

He has been an employee at several golf courses in Oregon. He has worked in the golf shop at Salem Golf Club since August of 2012. Previously, he gained experience at the Willow Lake Golf Center, the OGA Golf Course and Illahe Hills Country Club. He worked in customer services at Willow Lake, was the director of player services and assistant golf professional at the OGA, and served as the outside service director and golf shop assistant at Illahe Hills.

"I am delighted to introduce Patrick as the next leader of Bearcat golf, Director of Athletics David Rigsby said. His commitment to teaching, coaching, and Willamette University have prepared him well for the position."

Willamette competes in NCAA Division III and is a member of the Northwest Conference. In 2012-13, the Bearcat womens team tied for third place in the overall NWC standings, while the mens team finished in sixth place.

Ryan Kukula of Willamette was selected NWC Mens Player of the Year, was named First Team All-NWC and earned All-West Region honors. Taneesh Kaur Sra from the WU womens team was chosen Second Team All-NWC.