ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone announced today that UNC Asheville will add women's golf in the 2016-17 academic year and will compete as a member of the Big South Conference. The announcement came as part of the Our Turn to Play Luncheon in the Kimmel Arena at the Wilma M. Sherrill Center.

“UNC Asheville is committed to increasing opportunities for female student-athletes,” Cone said. “Based on months of study and with the strong financial backing of our Women's Golf Committee and key partners such as The Cliffs, we determined that women's golf would be a good fit for our athletic program. The large number of talented junior and high school players in our region, the many world-class golf courses in our immediate area, and the number of successful local golf events such as the LPGA Symetra Tour and LPGA Girls Golf Academy, all played into our decision. Thanks to the generosity of community and corporate leaders, women's golf will have the resources to become competitive in the Big South Conference in a short time frame.”

“We are excited to announce the addition of women's golf to our Bulldog athletics,” said UNC Asheville Chancellor Mary K. Grant. “It demonstrates our dedication to expanding opportunities for our student-athletes and links UNC Asheville closer to several community partners and supporters who have stepped forward as part of this team effort. We look forward to becoming a strong player both in the Big South and in the Asheville golf community.”

Cone also announced that Breanne R. Hall has been hired as the university's first women's golf coach. Hall presently serves as the director of golf instruction at Mountain Air Country Club.

“I am honored and excited to become the first Head Women's Golf Coach at UNC Asheville and look forward to building a competitive and successful program,” said Hall. “As a PGA Professional and former collegiate golfer, it is very exciting to see the game of golf continue to grow and more opportunities become available for female student-athletes.”

A Michigan native, Hall became the first amateur to win the Women's Michigan Open Golf Tournament in 2003. She is a 2004 graduate and former collegiate golfer at the University of Toledo and received a bachelor's degree in organizational management after being a member of the Mid-American Conference Honor Roll. Hall also worked as the head golf professional at the Grove Park Inn Resort and is a PGA instructor. She is presently working to complete her LPGA teaching certificate.

Women's golf will become UNC Asheville's ninth women's sport and 16th NCAA Division I athletic program. The last sport added was women's swimming in 2012-13. The golf team will practice and compete at various local golf courses including The Cliffs at Walnut Cove.

What others are saying:

David Sawyer, Managing Partner, The Cliffs Clubs

“On behalf of our board, members and staff, I speak for all of us at The Cliffs in bestowing well-deserved congratulations to UNC Asheville on the formation of what we know will be a successful women's golf program. The Cliffs at Walnut Cove is honored to serve as one of the home courses and practice facilities, and we look forward to seeing you on the range.”

Karen Rhodin, UNC Asheville's Women's Golf Committee Member

“This is a tremendous opportunity for young women golfers to compete at a great school in a sport that will teach them valuable life lessons and help mold their futures.”

Ben Van Camp, Executive Director, Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission

“Women's golf has been a focus of the Sports Commission since it was founded in 2010, and we are so pleased that UNC Asheville is adding women's golf to their offerings.”

Donna Bailey, LPGA Foundation Board Member

“As a member of the LPGA Foundation Board of Directors, we recognized that college athletes become the best leaders in both professional careers and contributions to communities. Corporate America is in need of female leadership and recognizes that the values learned through golf are the values needed for corporate growth. UNC Asheville is providing this opportunity for young women.”