For the third time in her career, women's golf's head coach Stephanie Barker has earned the prestigious honor of being named the LPGA Midwest Coach of the Year. Barker previously captured the distinction in 2015 and 2020, respectively.
"I am honored and humbled to be recognized by the LPGA for this very special award. Our organization is filled with incredible professionals whose efforts and dedication help us impact our students in a positive way. It is a privilege to be a member of such a wonderful organization," head coach Stephanie Barker said.
Annually, the members of the LPGA Professionals have selected the recipients of annual section Teacher, Professional, Coach, and Junior Golf leadership awards. Winners in each of the six LPGA Professionals sections (Central, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, Western, and International) are selected by the section offers and section nominating committee chair in each of the four categories.
The LPGA Professionals Coach of the Year award was established in 1980 and is awarded annually to an LPGA Professionals member in good standing with the LPGA and are selected based on teaching and coaching excellence, leadership, community service, character, and LPGA involvement.
Last season, Barker led the Eagles to nine top-10 finishes, including capturing the Ohio Valley Conference Championship title for the second time in program history. Under her guidance, multiple Eagles garnered conference accolades, including Ruth Tonnessen, who was tabbed the OVC Freshman and Player of the Year, as well as Olivia Hensley and MacKenzie Neal, who both received All-OVC honors for the third consecutive season, making them just the third and fourth Eagles in program history to do so. Tuva Marie Isebakke also recieved a pair of accolades, including being named to the All-OVC and All-Newcomer teams.
In the classroom, Barker's squad posted an accumulated 3.78 GPA, a total that led all Morehead State teams last year. Tuva Marie Isebakke, Ruth Tonnessen, MacKenzie Neal, and Hailey Rietz all earned recognition on the Women's Golf Coaches Association All-American Scholar list for 2022-23, which honors student-athletes who have maintained a 3.5 GPA and competed in at least 50 percent of scheduled events.
"This award is really a testament to our past and present student-athletes whose commitment to excellence is the driving force for our program's success. I admire their determination, resilience, and unwavering spirit. They are amazing women who inspire me to do my best to constantly improve as a coach," added Barker.
By: Talia Campione, Morehead State Athletic Media Relations