For the fifth time in her 18-year tenure, Kalen Anderson has been tabbed SEC Coach of the Year.
In May 2025, Kalen Anderson was honored as the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Coach of the Year for the fifth time in her illustrious 18-year tenure as head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s golf team. This recognition underscores her exceptional leadership and the program’s sustained success under her guidance.
Since taking the helm in 2007, Anderson has transformed the Gamecocks into a powerhouse in collegiate women’s golf. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes not only technical skill development but also the cultivation of resilience and a competitive spirit. This holistic approach has led to numerous accolades and a consistently high level of performance from her teams.
The 2024–25 season was particularly remarkable for the Gamecocks. Under Anderson’s leadership, the team secured four tournament victories, including the prestigious SEC Championship, marking their second title in program history and their first since 2002. This achievement was especially significant as South Carolina became the first No. 1 seed from stroke play to win the SEC Championship since the tournament adopted its current match play format in 2018. (Wikipedia, WACH)
The Gamecocks’ dominance was further reflected in their consistent top-four finishes in every event of the season, culminating in a No. 2 ranking in the Clippd Team Rankings. Their performance earned them a fourth consecutive No. 1 seed for the NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championship, highlighting the program’s sustained excellence.(vcpgolf.com, University of South Carolina Athletics)
The team’s success was mirrored by individual accolades. Junior All-Americans Hannah Darling and Louise Rydqvist were named First Team All-SEC, with South Carolina being the only program in the league to have multiple players on the first team. Sophomore Mia Sandtorv Lussand and freshman Vairana Heck earned Second Team All-SEC honors, with Heck also being named to the SEC All-Freshman Team. (University of South Carolina Athletics)
These individual achievements underscore Anderson’s ability to develop talent and foster an environment where players can thrive both individually and collectively.
Central to Anderson’s success is her coaching philosophy, which blends technical instruction with mental conditioning. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, focus, and a strong work ethic, qualities that have become hallmarks of her teams. Her commitment to player development extends beyond the golf course, preparing her athletes for success in all aspects of life.(vcpgolf.com)
This holistic approach has not only led to on-course success but has also contributed to the program’s reputation for producing well-rounded individuals who excel in their personal and professional endeavors.
As Anderson continues to lead the Gamecocks, the future looks bright for South Carolina women’s golf. With a strong foundation built on excellence, resilience, and a commitment to player development, the program is poised to continue its legacy of success in the SEC and beyond.(WACH)
Kalen Anderson’s fifth SEC Coach of the Year award is a testament to her enduring impact on collegiate women’s golf and her unwavering dedication to her players and the game.
