Lipscomb Names Kacey Dalpes Head Women's Golf Coach
7/1/2026 12:00:00 PM | Women's Golf
NASHVILLE – Lipscomb University has announced the appointment of Kacey Dalpes, PGA, as head coach of the Bisons women's golf program. Dalpes brings more than seven years of NCAA coaching experience at both the Division I and Division II levels, a proven track record of developing championship-caliber student-athletes, and a coaching philosophy deeply aligned with Lipscomb's mission of faith, excellence, and character development.
"This position attracted exceptional candidates from across the country, and Kacey Dalpes rose to the top," said Philip Hutcheson, Director of Athletics. "Her championship experience at both Indianapolis and Pepperdine, combined with her commitment to faith-based student development, makes her the perfect fit for Lipscomb women's golf."
Dalpes joins Lipscomb after three seasons as assistant coach at Pepperdine University, where she helped guide the Waves to the 2026 NCAA Championship match play quarterfinals—a T-5th finish nationally. While an assistant coach, Dalpes helped Pepperdine capture the 2026 West Coast Conference title, finish second at the NCAA Stanford Regional, win three tournaments, and develop three All-Americans in a single season. Her recruiting expertise and player development skills have positioned her to lead a program at the highest level.
Championship Pedigree at Every Level
Prior to Pepperdine, Dalpes spent four seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Indianapolis, where she played an instrumental role in building one of Division II golf's premier programs. She helped guide the Greyhounds to the 2018 NCAA Division II National Championship and contributed to multiple Great Lakes Valley Conference and regional championships. Her exceptional work earned her Division II Golf Pride Grips WGCA Assistant Coach of the Year honors in both 2018 and 2020—a rare distinction underscoring her impact on student-athlete development.
Throughout her coaching career, Dalpes has mentored five All-WCC honorees, 14 All-GLVC honorees, 12 All-East Region performers, 12 All-Americans, and the NCAA Division II National Player of the Year. Her expertise spans all facets of program leadership: recruiting and talent evaluation, player development, tournament strategy, academic oversight, budget management, team travel coordination, fundraising, and alumni relations.
Distinguished Playing Career and Academic Excellence
A former Division I student-athlete herself, Dalpes competed for New Mexico State University from 2012 to 2017, where she established herself as one of the program's most accomplished players. She set a school record by playing in and qualifying for 44 consecutive tournaments—a testament to her consistency and competitive excellence. Dalpes helped the Aggies capture three Western Athletic Conference Championships and earn three NCAA Regional appearances.
In addition, Dalpes graduated as a WGCA All-American Scholar and WAC All-Academic honoree, earning her Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus on Marketing and PGA Golf Management in 2017. She later earned her Master of Science in Management from the University of Indianapolis in 2021, focusing on interpersonal skills and strategic problem-solving—competencies that directly inform her coaching approach.
PGA Professional and Fourth-Generation Golf Family
A Class A member of the PGA of America since 2018, Dalpes brings professional teaching credentials and technical expertise to her coaching. She is a fourth-generation PGA professional and native of Alamogordo, New Mexico, where her parents have operated the town's only golf course for 31 years. This deep family connection to the game has shaped her understanding of golf instruction, course management, and the business of golf.
Between 2021 and 2022, Dalpes served as a certified instructor at GOLFTEC in Carmel, Indiana, where she delivered personalized golf instruction and club-fitting sessions, further refining her technical teaching skills and her ability to diagnose swing mechanics.
Building on Lipscomb's Momentum
Dalpes inherits a Lipscomb program that has demonstrated significant momentum at the conference and regional levels. With her championship experience at both the Division I and Division II levels, proven recruiting acumen, and commitment to holistic student-athlete development, Hutcheson reflected that Dalpes is positioned to elevate the Bisons to new competitive heights while maintaining the program's commitment to academic excellence and spiritual growth.
"Kacey's passion for developing young women as competitors, scholars, and people of faith aligns perfectly with our mission," Hutcheson added. "She will help our student-athletes excel on the course while growing in character and leadership."
Dalpes officially assumes her duties on July 13th and will begin recruiting and preparing for the 2026-27 season.
