EDINBURG – The University of Texas-Pan American Athletic Department announced on Monday the hiring of Barbara Odale, a former All-American at Southern Methodist as Head Women’s Golf Coach.  She replaces Barb Einecker, who served as the Lady Broncs mentor the last three seasons.

Odale, the former Barbara Blackwell, joins the Lady Bronc staff after serving as the assistant women’s golf coach at Sam Houston State during the 1998-99 season.  With Odale on staff SHSU won the 1999 Lady Bronc Team Invitational this past spring.  Prior to her time at SHSU she served as the assistant golf professional at Cypresswood Golf Club in Spring, Texas.

Odale starred for SMU from 1989-92 where she was a two-time NCAA All-American.  In 1991 she was named first team All-American, won one tournament and finished as the runner-up in two others.  In 1992 she was named second team All-American, was the Southwest Conference Player-of-the-Year and finished in the top 10 at the NCAA Championships.  The Mustangs to the SWC title in 1992 and finished 12th at the NCAA Championships. She also played on a team of collegiate golfers that traveled to Japan for the Shiseido Cup, finishing second.  Also on that team was current PGA professional, Annika Sorenstam.

After completing her eligibility at SMU, Odale turned pro and played on the Futures Tour and the Lady Texas Mini-Tour.  Odale qualified for the final stage of the LPGA Tour School in 1992 and 1993, her only years on the tour.  She was the leading money winner on the Lady Texan Mini-Tour in 1993 and twice qualified for the U.S. Women’s Open.

Odale said that she is excited about getting back into collegiate golf at UTPA.

“I’m looking forward to going to practices and to tournaments again,” said Odale.  “I want to take what I learned while at SMU and apply that here.  It was a real family atmosphere there, we had fun and we won.  I want that to happen here as well.  This is a real growing area.  The potential is unlimited with great weather and great golf courses.”

Odale, the former Barbara Blackwood, knows the value of family from more than just her time at SMU.  Odale, 29, is married to Jeff Odale and the couple have two children, Charlotte, 10, and Jeremiah, two.

“We are extremely pleased to announce the hiring of Barbara Blackwell Odale as our new Head Women’s Golf Coach,” said Athletic Director William Weidner.  “Barbara’s experience on both the collegiate and professional levels will be a tremendous asset to our women’s golf program.  Barbara has first-hand experience in regards to understanding what it takes to build a championship program.”