RIVERSIDE, Calif. – UC Riverside Athletics Director, Wesley Mallette, announced today, Tuesday, November 29, that Women's Head Golf Coach, Mary Ritchie, has been elevated to Director of UCR Golf.
Coach Ritchie is leading a resurgent UCR's Women's team that finished third at last spring's Big West Championships in San Luis Obispo, on the heels of three top-10 individual finishes and All-Big West performances from Tiffany Le and Kate Villegas.
"Coach Ritchie is a leader in our Athletics program and continues to do things the right way, building and developing our student-athletes and helping them achieve outstanding performances on the course and in the classroom," said Mallette. "In addition, we are seeing the results from the work she has put into both our Women's and Men's programs over the course of the past year and the growth of the program. I have full confidence in Mary and her ability to lead both of our Men's and Women's teams to elevated heights."
Ritchie, who has led the Highlanders since 2014, was named LPGA Western Section Coach of the Year in 2015 and 2016, as well the LPGA National Coach of the Year following the 2015-16 campaign and LPGA Western Section Coach of the Year in 2018. In addition to overseeing the Women's Golf program, Ritchie previously served as the interim head coach of the men's team since the fall of 2015, paving the way for a Big West Championship performance the following spring.
Michael Drake Named Assistant Coach, UCR Golf, Joins Jakeishya Le on Staff
In addition to Ritchie's promotion, former PGA professional and Long Beach State golfer, Michael Drake, has been named the program's assistant coach, joining former Highlander and Big West standout Jakeishya Le on staff.
Drake, who is married to current LPGA pro, Lee Lopez, has competed in more than 100 professional events across various tours in his career, including three events on Korn Ferry Tour. Having specialized in elite player development, several of Drake's students have gone on to earn collegiate scholarships and been postseason performers, including one Big West champion. Drake also holds the course record, 61 (-11) at Canyon Crest Country Club, where he is the former head golf professional.
"As a golfer born and raised in Riverside, I am very excited to join the team at UC Riverside and help continue to build championship teams," Drake said." I'd like to thank Athletics Director, Wes Mallette, for this opportunity and look forward to collaborating with Coach Ritchie to help our teams reach new heights."
Drake enjoyed a highly successful four-year career at Long Beach State after four years as an All-Sunkist League selection at King High School in Riverside.
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