Bizarri, PGA Teaching Pro, To Lead Scots' Men's and Women's Golf Programs

Monmouth, IL (08/07/2019) — The Monmouth College women's golf team will be under new management when the team debuts in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference this fall.
Fighting Scots men's golf coach and PGA teaching professional Cory Bizarri will take the reins of the women's team and oversee both Fighting Scots' golf programs after women's coach Ashley Sims announced she would be moving to DePaul University, where she will serve as the assistant director of facilities for the Ray Meyer Fitness and Recreation Center.
"Coach Sims provided great leadership and stability for our women's golf program," said Monmouth's director of athletics Roger Haynes of the 2005 Monmouth alumna. "She checked all the boxes, guiding the team to a strong presence in the conference and recruiting student-athletes who also excelled in the classroom.
"We're pleased to have a PGA professional ready to take over the women's team," continued Haynes. "To have someone of that caliber to teach our golfers is a valuable commodity. We're glad Coach Bizarri was willing to fill that role."
Bizarri will take over a women's team that set numerous program scoring records in the past two seasons under Sims and returns all but one scorer from last season's Midwest Conference meet team, which includes three-time all-conference performer Haley Hoekstra.
"I'm excited at the prospect of guiding both programs," said Bizarri. "I'd like to thank the administration for allowing me the opportunity to take on this new challenge. Coach Sims has laid a solid foundation for the women's program and I look forward to ushering the team into a new era as we begin play in a new conference this fall."
Sims, who also oversaw the wellness program and the operation of the college's Trotter Fitness Complex in addition to her coaching duties, led the Scots to a pair of runner-up finishes in the Midwest Conference during her five-year career.
"It's a bittersweet move for me," explained Sims. "I've thoroughly enjoyed my time coaching the women's golf team at Monmouth and the camaraderie we've developed over the years. This is truly a special program with great people. I'm excited for this next professional opportunity with DePaul to continue my growth in campus recreation. Monmouth has given me so much as an alum and a coach. I'll be forever grateful for the part this great institution has played in my life. I know this team will continue doing great things, and I fully expect them to have another great year. They are in good hands and I can't wait to see their success continue over these next few years."

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