Austin native selected as head golf coach at Division I program
Published 4:25 pm Sunday, July 27, 2008
Another Austin grad will be coaching a Division I golf team. Brittany Bertilson, a 2001 graduate of Austin High School will take over as the head coach of Florida Golf Coast University’s women’s golf team — where she played for four years.
Bertilson, who was a captain in 2005 and 2006 at FCGU, will replace Jim Suttie, who served as interim head coach for the women’s team this past season.
“I am truly excited about this opportunity at FGCU,” said Bertilson according to news-press.com. “As a former player and graduate I cannot wait to be a part of an outstanding Division I program. Over the last two years, since graduating from FGCU, I have watched the athletic program grow and take the necessary steps in joining the A-Sun conference and becoming NCAA Division I. I am very proud to be joining such an ambitious program.”
Bertilson recently served as a junior golf assistant at the Rick Smith Golf Academy at Tiburon, which is run by PGA Tour champion, Rick Smith. Bertilson is a four-year letter-winner for the FGCU women’s golf team (2002-06). As an Eagle, her best 18-hole round was a 68, which she shot in 2006.
“We are very excited to have Brittany back on our team,” said Athletic Director Carl McAloose. “She was the leader of our program when she played for us and I am confident that her leadership skills will help take the women’s golf team to the next level. She is a hard worker whose personality will be a great fit for FGCU and will help her in recruiting.”
Conrad Ray of Austin also coaches a Division I golf team as he is the head coach at Stanford.