FARMINGTON, Utah – Following a record-breaking performance at the Big Sky Conference Women's Golf Championship, Sacramento State's David Sutherland has been named 2023 Jeff Smith Big Sky Women's Golf Coach of the Year.
 
The Hornets shot a record low 856 at the conference championship at Talking Stick Resort, which was the only score in championship history under-par for the whole tournament. The team also featured the individual champion, as Caitlin Maurice took home that title.
 
Jennifer Koga claimed her third-consecutive Player of the Year title for her play during the regular season, while the Hornets had their whole lineup on the all-conference team. They also featured the Freshman of the Year in Ella Kraft.
 
Sacramento State will be making its fifth NCAA postseason appearance as a team and its fourth since 2017. The Hornets will head into the postseason as one of the hottest teams in the country having won four consecutive tournaments. Sacramento State has claimed a school record five tournament championships this season and its team scoring average of 291.89 would easily break the current school record of 293.60.
 
Overall, the Hornets hold a win-loss record of 105-15-1 and have fared well against top competition with two wins against teams ranked in the top 50 and a 27-14-1 mark against top 100 teams.
 
Sutherland was named Sacramento State's Director of Golf prior to the 2007-08 season. This is his fifth Big Sky Conference Coach of the Year title.
 
The award is named after late Weber State women's golf coach Jeff Smith.
 
Sacramento State will be competing in NCAA Regional competition in Pullman, Wash., from May 8-10 at Palouse Ridge Golf Club.