Welker tabbed as Texas State Women’s Golf Assistant Coach

Staff Reports

SAN MARCOS – Texas State women’s golf head coach Par Nilsson announced the hiring of Kelly Welker to his staff as an assistant coach.

“I am very happy to add Kelly to our team. She brings valuable experience and knowledge that will help our young team grow,” said Nilsson.

Welker comes to San Marcos from fellow Sun Belt Conference member Georgia Southern where she served as an assistant coach this past season. She helped the Eagles to their third straight third-place finish at the 2021 Sun Belt Championship. Georgia Southern also recorded four other top 10 finishes including coming in as runners-up at the Strutter Gus Invitational in her time in Statesboro.

“I want to thank Par and the administration at Texas State for giving me this amazing opportunity. Texas State women’s golf has a history of excellence and I am honored to work alongside Par as we continue to build the winning culture that he has established,” said Welker. “I look forward to learning and growing in this position as we lead this group of talented young women. I’m so excited to get to know the players and can’t wait to hit the ground running. Go Bobcats!”

Prior to her time at Georgia Southern, Welker was the head coach at Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota for two and a half years. The Yellow Jackets recorded eight top 10 and five top-five finishes with her in charge.

Welker began her collegiate coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Central Missouri. With her instruction, the Jennies reached the NCAA Central Regional Championship and Olivia Sobaski reached the national championship as an individual.

A two-time graduate of Central Missouri, completing her bachelor’s degree in exercise science in 2016 and master’s in sport management in 2019, she was a four-time letter winner for the Jennies golf team. Welker was a two-time all-conference honoree and made two appearances in the NCAA Central Regional Championship. She finished her collegiate career with two top-five finishes, four top-10s and 19 top-20s.

For all things Texas State women’s golf, be sure to follow the team at @txstatewgolf on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.