PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Department of Athletics has announced the hiring of PGA Professional Tiana Jones as the next head coach of the Hawk men's and women's golf programs.

Jones was the seventh Black woman to obtain a class "A" membership with the PGA of America after attending the PGA Golf Management School at UMES, winning five PGA WORKS Championships in the process. Jones comes to Princess Anne after working as a PGA Director of Instruction at Topgolf Cleveland for nearly three years.

"I'm really excited to return to my alma mater," Jones said. "I hope to reinforce the values of diversity and inclusion around the programs, while working hard to bring some championships home to UMES."

Bringing prior experience as a member of the PGM School and as a PGA instructor, Director of Athletics Tara A. Owens said she has full confidence in Jones's ability to turn the program into a winner.

"We are excited to welcome Coach Tiana Jones to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Coach Jones is an experienced PGA Professional with a proven track record of success in the sport of golf," Owens said. "I look forward to seeing Coach Jones develop our student-athletes into champions on the course, in the classroom, and in the community."

Prior to arriving at UMES, Jones completed a four-year degree at South Carolina State University while being named the Team MVP for women's golf in each of her four seasons. She earned medalist honors as a player at the PGA Minority Golf Championship in 2012, helping lead her team to a second-place finish in the event.

Jones hopes to bring her winning ways as a player to the UMES golf programs and bring some national respect to Hawk golf.

"I fully believe this program can be ranked among the best at the Division I level, and that will be our ultimate goal as we move forward," Jones said.