(Written by MIAA Publicity Office)
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. --Â Kalamazoo College head coach Holden Price has been named the 2026 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Women's Golf Coach of the Year after leading the Hornets to one of the most successful seasons in program history.
Since becoming Kalamazoo's Director of Golf in August 2023, Price has helped elevate the women's golf program to new heights, highlighted by record-breaking team performances and historic individual achievements throughout the 2025-26 campaign.
Under Price's leadership, sophomores Ellie Britt and Jacey Merkle both earned All-MIAA Second Team honors after finishing the regular season among the league's top 12 golfers. Merkle posted a season average of 78.67, while Britt followed closely at 79.83. Their recognition marked the first time since 1991—and only the second time in program history—that Kalamazoo women's golf produced multiple All-MIAA honorees in the same season.
The Hornets also shattered program records on the course, recording the three lowest team rounds in school history during the season: a 309 at The Medalist on September 6, a 313 at Pine River on October 11, and a 315 at Thornapple Pointe on September 22. Kalamazoo's 315 at MIAA Jamboree No. 1 was also the lowest team score of the day, underscoring the program's emergence as a conference contender.
"I am truly grateful to be named the 2026 MIAA Women's Golf Coach of the Year," commented Price. "This honor is a reflection of the commitment, character, and daily effort of our players and staff here at Kalamazoo College, who make our program what it is. I'm sincerely thankful to those who voted for me, and I'm humbled to be recognized by my peers."
Price's recognition highlights the remarkable progress Kalamazoo women's golf has made under his guidance and signals a bright future for a program continuing to rewrite its history.