University of Memphis Athletics
Harrelson Announces Retirement as Head Women’s Golf Coach
May 25, 2022 | Women's Golf
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – University of Memphis head women's golf coach Beth Harrelson announced her retirement after 14 years of leading the Tiger program on Wednesday.
"We could not be more appreciative of Beth and what she did for our women's golf program during her tenure," Memphis Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Laird Veatch said. "As a former player and alum of the University, Beth was an ideal leader and mentor for her student-athletes over the past 14 years. Her teams were not only competitive on the course, but also standouts in the classroom and in the community. We wish Beth all the best in her well-deserved retirement."
Harrelson, a 1987 graduate of Memphis, helped her student-athletes earn 10 all-conference honors, including seven All-AAC accolades. She coached a Tiger golfer to three NCAA Regional appearances (Michaela Fletcher, 2015, 2017, 2019) and two NCAA Championship appearances (Michaela Fletcher, 2015, 2019) during her tenure as well.
"It is with great joy and sadness that I am retiring," Harrelson said. "It is hard to leave the girls and the relationships that we have built, but I will still be in Memphis and will always support the program. I am looking forward to having more time with my family (husband, kids and grandchildren), also getting more involved in my church and of course play more pickleball. Coaching at the University of Memphis has been the highlight of my career as I am from Memphis, played for Memphis and love Memphis! The support from my girls, their parents, my fellow coaches, the administration and the community has always overwhelmed me with gratitude. So thankful for such a great job while it has also been my passion for so many years."
In her 14 years, Harrelson had 18 golfers claim individual medalist honors and the Tigers won 18 team championships. She also helped guide four graduates to the professional ranks, with both Michaela Fletcher (Sunshine Ladies Tour) and Marissa Steen (LPGA), still active.
For their efforts in the classroom, Harrelson's teams have earned the NCAA Public Recognition Award for 10-straight seasons and 40 of her student-athletes have been recognized as Women's Golf Coaches of America (WGCA) All-American Scholars.
Harrelson originally came to Memphis as a volleyball player, but transitioned to women's golf after the 1983-84 season, where she was named the 1984-85 Most Improved Player and by her senior season, was the golf team captain and posted the team's lowest scoring average.
She won the Memphis Women's Golf Association and Double Eagle golf tournaments in 1987, before taking medalist honors at the 1988 Tennessee Women's State Amateur. Harrelson was then a member of the Futures Tour in 1988-89.
In 1999, Harrelson was inducted into the M Club Hall of Fame at the University of Memphis. Then in 2006, she was also inducted into the Briarcrest High School Hall of Fame.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Women's Golf, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
"We could not be more appreciative of Beth and what she did for our women's golf program during her tenure," Memphis Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Laird Veatch said. "As a former player and alum of the University, Beth was an ideal leader and mentor for her student-athletes over the past 14 years. Her teams were not only competitive on the course, but also standouts in the classroom and in the community. We wish Beth all the best in her well-deserved retirement."
Harrelson, a 1987 graduate of Memphis, helped her student-athletes earn 10 all-conference honors, including seven All-AAC accolades. She coached a Tiger golfer to three NCAA Regional appearances (Michaela Fletcher, 2015, 2017, 2019) and two NCAA Championship appearances (Michaela Fletcher, 2015, 2019) during her tenure as well.
"It is with great joy and sadness that I am retiring," Harrelson said. "It is hard to leave the girls and the relationships that we have built, but I will still be in Memphis and will always support the program. I am looking forward to having more time with my family (husband, kids and grandchildren), also getting more involved in my church and of course play more pickleball. Coaching at the University of Memphis has been the highlight of my career as I am from Memphis, played for Memphis and love Memphis! The support from my girls, their parents, my fellow coaches, the administration and the community has always overwhelmed me with gratitude. So thankful for such a great job while it has also been my passion for so many years."
In her 14 years, Harrelson had 18 golfers claim individual medalist honors and the Tigers won 18 team championships. She also helped guide four graduates to the professional ranks, with both Michaela Fletcher (Sunshine Ladies Tour) and Marissa Steen (LPGA), still active.
For their efforts in the classroom, Harrelson's teams have earned the NCAA Public Recognition Award for 10-straight seasons and 40 of her student-athletes have been recognized as Women's Golf Coaches of America (WGCA) All-American Scholars.
Harrelson originally came to Memphis as a volleyball player, but transitioned to women's golf after the 1983-84 season, where she was named the 1984-85 Most Improved Player and by her senior season, was the golf team captain and posted the team's lowest scoring average.
She won the Memphis Women's Golf Association and Double Eagle golf tournaments in 1987, before taking medalist honors at the 1988 Tennessee Women's State Amateur. Harrelson was then a member of the Futures Tour in 1988-89.
In 1999, Harrelson was inducted into the M Club Hall of Fame at the University of Memphis. Then in 2006, she was also inducted into the Briarcrest High School Hall of Fame.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Women's Golf, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Golf
Wolfchase Toyota Insider: Women's Golf Edition - April 4th, 2025
Friday, April 04
Wolfchase Toyota Insider: Jennifer Jordan 10/11/23
Tuesday, October 17
Wolfchase Toyota Insider: Women's Golf Edition - October 11, 2023
Wednesday, October 11
Wolfchase Toyota Insider: Jennifer Jordan 9/20/23
Wednesday, September 20