GOSHEN, Ind. - Goshen College Athletics Director Tim Demant announced the hiring of Allison Bailey as the Head Men's and Women's Golf Coach on Monday, completing the 2011-12 Maple Leaf coaching staff.

"I am very excited that we have been able to find such a quality coach to lead our golf programs," Demant explained.  "Allison's experience, work ethic, character and expertise will be an immediate benefit to our golfers.  Her knowledge and experience in the game will help our golfers maximize their abilities and take steps toward being a championship program."

Bailey is highly familiar with the Northern Indiana golfing scene, having been a standout high school and college player as well as working as a golf professional at several area courses.

A 2004 graduate of Elkhart Central High School, Bailey (then Rodino) was the school's Female Athlete of the Year as a senior.  Her tenure included four All-Northern Indiana Conference honors, three team MVP awards, and a selection to the Indiana Golf Coaches Association Academic All-State Team.

Bailey then took her talents to Tri-State University - now Trine University - in Angola (Ind.).  She became a two-time All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association pick for the Thunder while earning a degree in Business Administration.

Since 2008, Bailey has held posts at Glendarin Hills Golf Club (Angola, Ind.) and Elcona Country Club (Bristol, Ind.) in addition to being Head Professional at Christiana Creek Country Club (Elkhart, Ind.).  Her positions have led her to hundreds of hours of instruction and lessons with adults and juniors, marketing, course daily operations, budgeting, club fitting, and organizing events.

"I love the small school atmosphere and golf is my passion," Bailey explained.  "I am excited to work on building the men's program and starting the women's program from the ground up.  My goals for the golf program at Goshen College are for our athletes to success in the classroom first and then on the golf course.  I am extremely excited to get started with move-in at Goshen just around the corner."

Bailey will start immediately with the men's team, who begins the fall portion of their 2011-12 schedule in late August.  She will also be charged with beginning the recruiting process for the women's team, which begins competition in 2012-13.