UCA golf is gaining powerhouse Jay Rees as the new head coach for the men’s team.
Starting golf at the young age of 13, Rees has turned his favorite hobby into a successful career.
“I look forward to getting to know all the new coaches and support staff. All the people that I have met so far have been so supportive, I just want to do my very best,” Rees said.
UCA Athletic Director Brad Teague said Rees is a shining example of the ideal golf coach.
“Coach Rees has a great ability to connect with our student-athletes and with potential new student-athletes. He is a players’ coach and will encourage and support them toward great success.
“Coach Rees stood out from our candidates due to his vast NCAA Division I experience and his quality relationships in the industry,” Teague said.
Rees began coaching in 1989 at his alma mater, Emporia State University in Kansas. At 21 years old, Rees was named the district’s Coach of the Year – a reign he held for four consecutive years from 1990 to 1993 and was even recognized by USA Today as the Youngest head coach ever in college athletics at the time.
After two assistant gigs at Louisiana State University and Arizona State, Rees upgraded to head men’s golf coach at the University of Texas at Arlington in 1999 and had a successful stint there, including taking seven teams to the NCAA regionals and having an overall .630 winning percentage. He had two teams win Southland Conference titles in 2005 and 2011.
At his most recent post, Rees coached the No. 1-ranked NJCAA team and player in the nation at New Mexico Junior College.
On top of the many other accolades and titles, he was also named Southland Conference Coach of the Year three times – in 2005, 2009 and 2011.
After over 20 years of winning, Rees is making his way to UCA to do what he does best and apply his extensive knowledge to the men’s golf team.
Rees spoke with Teague almost ten years ago about this exact opportunity but was unable to move from Texas at that time.
“I remained at UT-Arlington, but I always watched the progress of the golf program because my best friend is the golf coach at the University of Arkansas, Brad McMakin, and with having family in Conway & Little Rock, I knew how special this university and area were,” Rees said.
Rees has circled back to Bear Country to help the team into shape for the upcoming season.
“I have a plan for our men’s team to hit our daily goals, which will produce everyone becoming more efficient with their scoring every day. Playing competitive tournament golf creates many expectations.
“I feel it is critical to focus on a positive key every day because, for many, it’s hard to focus on any positives. Most people always find the negatives and dwell on them,” Rees said.
He makes it a point to maintain a positive attitude on and off the field and says that characteristic will carry the team to victory.
“I am looking forward to seeing the current players enjoy getting better every day with positive reinforcement and make the most of their opportunities. We will keep getting better and by the time we compete in the ASUN Conference Championship, we will be ready to win,” he said.
Men’s golf will pick back up at the Lake Las Vegas Invitational in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Feb. 26-28.