Providence College Announces Addition Of Men's And Women's Golf As Varsity Athletic Teams

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Providence College President Fr. Kenneth Sicard, O.P. and Athletic Director Steve Napolillo announced today (Aug. 7) the addition of men's and women's golf as non-scholarship varsity programs. The two teams will begin competition during the 2025-26 academic year. The addition of men's and women's golf brings the total number of varsity athletic teams at Providence College to 21 – nine men's programs and 12 women's programs.

Men's golf previously was sponsored by the College from 1932-1934 and then again from 1960-2002. The Friars claimed BIG EAST Championship titles in 1980 and 1993 and finished as runner-up on four other occasions (1979, 1983, 1985 and 1992). The program also produced six BIG EAST individual champions (Matt Zito – 1979, Bill Reardon – 1980, Andy Falcone – 1985, Shane Drury – 1986, Mike Ghelfi – 1992 and Marc Siewertsen - 1993) and 10 student-athletes earned All-America honors. Eight Friar teams competed in the NCAA Tournament and 14 individuals qualified for NCAA match competition. Providence College also claimed 18 Rhode Island Championships and three New England titles.

"Varsity athletics is an important gateway for Providence College to national and regional audiences," said Providence College President Fr. Kenneth R. Sicard, O.P. "PC has a long and proud history with Men's Golf, and we are pleased to be able to restore the sport to varsity-level status which will put us on par with our fellow BIG EAST institutions. In addition, Women's Golf has become extremely popular in recent years, and it made sense for us to add a women's varsity team at the same time. I am excited about the opportunities that lay ahead for student-athletes in this sport, and I look forward to our first season of competition in 2025-26."

The Friars were coached by Waldo Martin during the three seasons in the 1930s. Golf returned as a club sport in 1947 with the legendary Joe Prisco '49 & '63 Hon., serving as team captain and coach from 1948-49. He returned to Providence College to coach the club golf team from 1953-1960 and stayed on as head coach when the program was elevated back to varsity status in 1960. He spent the next 43 seasons as head coach before the sport was eliminated in 2002. He compiled a 403-119-1 record (record does not include the 1960 and 1962 seasons). Prisco, who was synonymous with Providence College golf for over four decades passed away on May 6, 2020 at the age of 101.

Women's golf will be making its collegiate debut at Providence College during the 2025-26 campaign.

"Providence College is very proud of its rich tradition and success in varsity athletics," Napolillo said. "This is a special time for the College as we restore the men's golf program and add women's golf as a varsity sport. We look forward to competing in the BIG EAST with both our golf programs. Adding these two sports will create additional opportunities for student-athletes and allow them to experience all that Friartown has to offer."

"The development of men's and women's golf at Providence College gives our Athletic Department another program that can compete with excellence at the BIG EAST level," former Providence College Chair of the Board of Trustees Michael Ruane '71 & '13 Hon., said. "This announcement will be met with enthusiasm from our student body, alumni and the local community. For these reasons, varsity golf is a perfect fit for the future of Providence College."

"Varsity golf is a natural fit for the mission of Providence College and will provide another avenue to attract high caliber student-athletes to Friartown," Providence College Chair of the Board of Trustees Chris Reilly '84 stated. "From the introduction of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences to the reinstatement of Varsity Golf, I am excited about the future of Providence College and the bold initiatives in place for the next generation of Friars."

The Providence College golf programs will practice and compete at the most premier courses in Rhode Island. The College will conduct a national search for its two head coaches.

For more information on Providence College athletics, visit www.Friars.com and follow on social media via X (@PCAthletics) and Instagram (pcathletics).

- GO FRIARS! -

Providence College Athletics

Providence College Announces Addition Of Men's And Women's Golf As Varsity Athletic Teams

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