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DAVIS, Calif. – After leading UC Davis women’s golf to the NCAA Regionals and taking them within one stroke of qualifying for the NCAA Championships Amelia Hicks-Beltran has been promoted to head coach of the Aggies.
During the 2024-25 season Hicks-Beltran held the title of interim head coach after taking over the roll following the departure of Cal Aggie Hall of Famer Demi Runas after the 2023-24 season.
“We’re thrilled to officially name Amelia Hicks-Beltran as our head women’s golf coach,” said Director of Athletics Rocko DeLuca. “In just one season, Amelia led our program back to the NCAA Regionals for the first time in a decade and delivered a team tournament title—remarkable accomplishments that reflect her competitive spirit and leadership. She has created a positive, driven team culture that inspires confidence in a very bright future for Aggie women’s golf.”
Under Hicks-Beltran UC Davis set three team records and had two individuals set program records. The Aggies saw Vani Karimanal have a top five finish at the Big West Championships and they finished among the top six at the NCAA Regionals held in Lubbock, Texas.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue leading the UC Davis women’s golf program,” said Hicks-Beltran. “This team means so much to me, and it’s an honor to guide a group of student-athletes who inspire me every day with their character, work ethic, and heart. I’m excited for what’s ahead and deeply thankful to be part of a program and university I believe in so fully.”
Abby Leighton set a new 54-hole low score at the Colonel Wollenberg Ptarmigan Ram Classic, shooting 205 to finish -11. At that same tournament, which ran from Sept. 23-24, 2024 and was host by Colorado State, Elina Kuang set a new round low score shooting 64 end her opening round at -8.
As a team the Aggies set a program record low 54-hole score of 843 to shoot -21 at the Colonel Wollenberg Ptarmigan Ram and their third round at the NCAA Regionals set a program record for lowest 18-hole score in the regionals (287).
This story is an example of UC Davis Athletics’ commitment to the Ignite Strategic Plan Pillar of “Asses and Value Personnel” by retaining high quality personnel that contribute to a positive experience and meaningful impact. Read more about our strategic plan here; IGNITE.
