Cantú Returns To Alma Mater, Tennessee, As Head Coach
6/8/2021 3:02:00 PM | Women's Golf
COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Maryland women's golf head coach Diana Cantú has accepted the head coaching position at her alma mater, the University of Tennessee. A national search for the new head coach of the Terrapins will commence immediately. Assistant Coach Kelly Hovland will serve as the Interim Head Coach until a new head is hired.
"We thank Diana for elevating the Maryland women's golf program to new heights," said Maryland Director of Athletics Damon Evans. "Diana led the Terps to their first NCAA Championship this past spring and a second-place finish in the Big Ten Championship. A foundation is in place for success here at Maryland with a winning culture. We are excited about the future of Maryland women's golf and as we search for the next leader of this program, as they will have a lot of success to build upon. This was a unique opportunity for Diana to return to her alma mater and we wish her the best in the future."
"It has been a true honor to come to Maryland and have a front row seat as this program has grown into a recognized competitor, not only within the Big Ten, but also at the National Championship level," said Cantú. "I cannot put into words how proud I am of the players and supporters that have helped Maryland accomplish so much over the years – some of my fondest memories have occurred through my time here.
"I truly love Maryland, our student-athletes, staff, and what the University and ONE MARYLAND stands for. This was a difficult decision, and I sincerely thank Damon Evans and this leadership team for their support over the past seven years. Tennessee is my alma mater and home for me and my family, and Damon's understanding of this decision speaks to his leadership quality and respect of values. Maryland is a special place, the women's golf program is a special team, and I am confident it will continue its excellence. I am very proud and thankful to have been a part of it."
Cantú completed her seventh season as the head coach of the Maryland women's golf program, in 2020-21. Over the last three years, the Terrapins have consistently been ranked in the top 50 nationally - a program first. This past season, the Terps received their highest ranking in program history at No. 14, and competed in the National Championships for the first time ever. Cantú was named Big Ten Coach of the Year for the first time in her career this past spring.
Maryland also equaled its best-ever finish at the Big Ten Championships, placing second overall in 2021. Virunpat Olankitkunchai and Laura Van Respaille were named first-team All-Big Ten while Xiaolin Tian was named to the second team All-Big Ten. The three honorees in the most Maryland has ever had in a single season. Maryland is ranked 19th in the nation by Golf Stat and Olankitkunchai was ranked 10th in the nation, individually, her highest ranking of the season.
The former Tennessee standout golfer and Baylor assistant was hired at Maryland in the summer of 2014. As a student-athlete at Tennessee, Cantú put together one of the finest careers in Lady Vols women's golf history as a member of three teams that qualified for the NCAA Championship (2006-07, 2008-09, 2009-10). She earned All-SEC and NCAA East All-Region honors as a senior and ranks eighth in Tennessee history in stroke average (76.16) and second in career rounds played (130).
"We thank Diana for elevating the Maryland women's golf program to new heights," said Maryland Director of Athletics Damon Evans. "Diana led the Terps to their first NCAA Championship this past spring and a second-place finish in the Big Ten Championship. A foundation is in place for success here at Maryland with a winning culture. We are excited about the future of Maryland women's golf and as we search for the next leader of this program, as they will have a lot of success to build upon. This was a unique opportunity for Diana to return to her alma mater and we wish her the best in the future."
"It has been a true honor to come to Maryland and have a front row seat as this program has grown into a recognized competitor, not only within the Big Ten, but also at the National Championship level," said Cantú. "I cannot put into words how proud I am of the players and supporters that have helped Maryland accomplish so much over the years – some of my fondest memories have occurred through my time here.
"I truly love Maryland, our student-athletes, staff, and what the University and ONE MARYLAND stands for. This was a difficult decision, and I sincerely thank Damon Evans and this leadership team for their support over the past seven years. Tennessee is my alma mater and home for me and my family, and Damon's understanding of this decision speaks to his leadership quality and respect of values. Maryland is a special place, the women's golf program is a special team, and I am confident it will continue its excellence. I am very proud and thankful to have been a part of it."
Cantú completed her seventh season as the head coach of the Maryland women's golf program, in 2020-21. Over the last three years, the Terrapins have consistently been ranked in the top 50 nationally - a program first. This past season, the Terps received their highest ranking in program history at No. 14, and competed in the National Championships for the first time ever. Cantú was named Big Ten Coach of the Year for the first time in her career this past spring.
Maryland also equaled its best-ever finish at the Big Ten Championships, placing second overall in 2021. Virunpat Olankitkunchai and Laura Van Respaille were named first-team All-Big Ten while Xiaolin Tian was named to the second team All-Big Ten. The three honorees in the most Maryland has ever had in a single season. Maryland is ranked 19th in the nation by Golf Stat and Olankitkunchai was ranked 10th in the nation, individually, her highest ranking of the season.
The former Tennessee standout golfer and Baylor assistant was hired at Maryland in the summer of 2014. As a student-athlete at Tennessee, Cantú put together one of the finest careers in Lady Vols women's golf history as a member of three teams that qualified for the NCAA Championship (2006-07, 2008-09, 2009-10). She earned All-SEC and NCAA East All-Region honors as a senior and ranks eighth in Tennessee history in stroke average (76.16) and second in career rounds played (130).
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