SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Augustana head women's golf coach Peggy Kirby has announced her retirement from coaching at the conclusion of the 2019-20 season.
 
Kirby, a three-time NCGA Region Coach of the Year, has been at the helm of the Vikings for 17 seasons guiding AU to 10 NSIC Championships, six region championships and has seven top-10 finishes in the NCAA.
 
"I am grateful beyond words for the opportunity to have this job for the last 17 years," Kirby said. "It has been an honor to be associated with a quality higher education institution that has its priorities in the right place; academic excellence for its students. In that respect, the students I have had the honor to coach have consistently performed at an exceptional level, even by Augustana's high standards.
 
"As athletes, I could never have asked for more. Our teams have established a legacy of success at the conference, regional and national level that is the envy for golf programs across the country."
 
Under Kirby, the Vikings have accumulated 46 all-conference accolades between the NSIC and NCC along with six NSIC Players of the Year and four Central Region Championship medalists.
 
"Coach Kirby's impact on the golf program at Augustana goes well beyond the success the team has seen on the course over her 17 years," Augustana Director of Athletics Josh Morton said. "She has mentored many Viking student-athletes and helped shape their lives throughout her career, all while building a nationally-prominent golf program.   
 
"While we wish her well in her retirement, we're excited to have her finish this season leading our team."
 
Off the course, Kirby has coached 49 Academic All-NSIC selections, 36 All-America Scholar student-athletes, seven CoSIDA Academic All-District honorees and five NSIC Myles Brand All-Academic honorees.
 
"Although the timing was never going to be perfect, I am excited about the prospects of this season's team getting to yet another national championship," Kirby added.
 
Augustana assistant coach Coralee Jorgensen will assume interim head coach duties for the 2020-21 season. Jorgensen is currently in her eighth season as an assistant with the Vikings. She will remain as the executive director of The First Tee South Dakota.
 
Coach Kirby Fast Facts
49 – NSIC All-Academic Selections
47 – All-Conference Performers (37 NSIC, 10 NCC)
36 – All-America Scholar-Athletes
16 – All-Central Region Performers
9 – Conference Coach of the Year honors (8 NSIC, 1 NCC)
8 – All-America performers
8 – NSIC Championship Medalists
7 – CoSIDA Academic All-District honorees
6 – NSIC Players of the Year
4 – Central Region Championship Medalists