NMJC Hires Kendalyn Ferguson to Lead Women’s Golf Program
New Mexico Junior College is proud to announce the inception of the women's golf program led by head coach Kendalyn Ferguson.
The NMJC golf program was first established with a men's team 57 years ago in 1966. Ferguson will lead the T-Bird women's golf team into their inaugural season in the fall of 2023.
Ferguson joins the already illustrious T-Bird golf program that is currently spearheaded by men's golf head coach Jay Rees.
"I am so excited to be a part of NMJC," Ferguson said. "It's a great honor to have the chance to begin the women's golf program. I am ready to coach young women who are passionate about golf. Together we will strive to get better and win championships."
Director of Athletics Deron Clark said this is another historic step for NMJC athletics as the Thunderbirds add their 12th sport to the school.
"The T-Birds are excited to both introduce a new athletic program in women's golf (2023-24) and a new leader of this program, Ms. Kendalyn Ferguson," Clark said. "Kendalyn is a graduate and former student-athlete of McMurry University in Abilene, TX and currently represents the wonderful community of Childress, TX. NMJC is excited to allow Kendalyn the opportunity to lay the framework for what will be the best up and coming women's golf program in the NJCAA."
Ferguson earned her bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and Curriculum and Instruction at McMurry University in 2020. The former golfer played collegiately for the McMurry Warhawks from 2016-20 under NMJC's current men's golf head coach Jay Rees.
Ferguson was named McMurry Women's Golfer of the Year from 2017-20. She was also selected to the American Southwest Conference Distinguished Scholar Team four consecutive years from 2017-2020.
Ferguson began her teaching and coaching career in 2020 at Texas Leadership of Abilene. She served as the head volleyball coach and assisted with basketball and track. In 2021-22, she started the golf program while continuing with her prior coaching positions.
In the 2022-23 school year, Ferguson returned to her hometown of Childress, TX where she was named the head golf coach at Childress High School.
Coach Ferguson has already hit the ground running with the task of building the women's program from the ground up according to Clark.
"The team is currently being recruited for the introduction of the 2023-24 season and Ms. Ferguson has already begun to make those important contacts," Clark said. "NMJC is looking to build a roster of anywhere from 12-15 young ladies that will be the charter team for NMJC. The Athletic Department appreciates the support of the NMJC Board of Regents in allowing this addition both as a sport and the additional personnel to the athletic staff. Kendalyn will be a perfect fit."
Men's golf head coach Jay Rees said he was elated when he learned that the new addition to the coaching staff would be a familiar face.
"I am very excited to see the addition of women's golf at NMJC," Jay Rees said. "There will be so many great opportunities for these young ladies that end up coming to NMJC. I can sense there will be great energy added to our program with the addition of my former player Kendalyn Ferguson."
Coach Rees said he can't wait to see the two teams compete together in the classroom and on the golf course.
"I look forward to working with her daily and our teams practicing together and going on the road to tournaments together," Rees said. "I know the ladies competing daily with our guys can only help them get better."