Lauren Coughlin Named ACC Golfer Of The Year

The spring just keeps getting better for the Virginia women's golf team. After leading UVA to its second-straight ACC title and winning individual medalist honors, senior Lauren Coughlin was named ACC golfer of the year on Wednesday. Not to be outdone, Virginia head coach Kim Lewellen was named coach of the year for the second-straight season. Virginia begins play in the NCAA tournament on Thursday. The Cavaliers are the fourth-seed in the Stanford Regional.

Coughlin's latest achievement further cements her place as one of the best golfers in school history. She's only the second Cavalier to be named ACC player of the year. Brittany Altomare, who just earned status on the LPGA tour, won the award in 2013. This is the second time Coughlin has been named to the all-conference team. She's currently ranked 15th nationally among college golfers by Golfstat, and 24th by Golfweek.

This is the third time Lewellen has been named ACC coach of the year. She won the award in 2008 and again in 2015. Virginia has grown into a national contender under Lewellen's leadership. The Cavaliers finished fourth nationally in 2011 and 2012.

UVA will be one of the 18 teams competing in the Stanford Regional. The teams will play three rounds, with the top six advancing to the NCAA Finals in Eugene, Oregon. In addition to Coughlin, the Virginia team at the regionals will include junior Lauren Diaz-Yi, freshman Morgan Gonzales, freshman Anna Redding, and senior Elizabeth Szokol.

Fans can follow the scoring for the NCAA Regionals live on Golfstat.com.