Conway native Summar Roachell was tabbed to head the University of Central Arkansas women's golf program by Dr. Brad Teague, UCA's director of athletics, on June 16, 2023.Â
In her first season as head coach, she led the Bears to a win at the Judson, helping the Bears win a team title at an event for a fourth-straight year. She also coached her team to two All-ASUN honorees, with Madison Holmes earning a Second Team All-ASUN nod, and Gudrun Thorsteinsdottir earned a spot on the All-Freshman team. The Bears also earned three WGCA All-American Scholars for the 2023-24 year.
Over the summer of 2024, two of Roachell's players, Valeria Ramirez and Holmes, earned first and second place, respectively, at the The Genesis of Conway Central Arkansas Open Collegiate Series.
Roachell comes to UCA from the University of Central Florida, where she served as an assistant coach since June 2022. She is one of the most decorated golfers in Conway High School history, earning Class 7A medalist honors for four consecutive years. Roachell also played on the U.S. Junior Solheim Cup team.
"We are extremely happy to be able to bring Coach Roachell back home," said Teague. "She is well known in our community, state, and in the national golfing community. Her success as a player has translated very well to collegiate coaching.Â
"I am excited that our student-athletes get to work with someone of her character and caliber. She will step right into a great program that Coach (Natasha) Vincent nurtured and will continue our success."
Roachell, who helped Conway win the 2012 7A State Championship, spent one year at UCF under head coach Emily Marron and helped the Knights to their fourth straight NCAA Regional appearance. Prior to that, Roachell spent a year as assistant golf professional at Blessings Golf Club in Fayetteville, the home course for her former team, the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Roachell played four years professionally on the Symetra Tour after finishing her career at Arkansas in 2017. As a Razorback, she appeared in four NCAA regional tournaments and three NCAA national championship events.
