​Tennessee women’s golf announced on Tuesday that Maddi Swaney has joined the program as an assistant coach for the Lady Vols. In welcoming Swaney, Tennessee head coach Diana Cantu expressed enthusiasm about the addition, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome Maddi Swaney to our Tennessee family. She brings an incredible level of experience, a championship mindset, and a proven track record of success. She has an exceptional eye for identifying what it takes to compete at the highest level, and she is deeply committed to developing student athletes into the very best golfers and people they can become. Her values align perfectly with what we believe Tennessee women’s golf represents. I am incredibly excited to welcome her to Rocky Top and can’t wait to see the impact she’ll have on our team.”
Swaney brings a wealth of coaching experience to Knoxville, most recently serving as an assistant coach at Oklahoma State from 2019 to 2025. During her tenure with the Cowgirls, the program earned five consecutive appearances in the NCAA championships from 2021 through 2025, highlighted by a runner-up finish in 2021 and consecutive Big 12 championships in 2021 and 2023. Her coaching career is complemented by a solid collegiate playing background, as she was a four-year letter winner at Kent State from 2005 to 2009, where she contributed to the program with the dedication and on-course knowledge that have become hallmarks of her coaching philosophy.
The hiring of Swaney comes as Tennessee look to build on recent successes and bolster their presence in collegiate golf. The Lady Vols have shown progress in recent seasons, and this addition is viewed as a strategic move to strengthen the program’s competitiveness, player development, and recruiting edge. Cantu’s leadership has emphasized a holistic approach to developing student-athletes, focusing on both athletic performance and personal growth, and Swaney’s track record aligns with that mission.
Swaney’s arrival at Tennessee is part of a broader effort to elevate the program’s profile in the SEC and national conversations surrounding top collegiate women’s golf programs. Her background in guiding teams through high-stakes competition, combined with a history of cultivating talent and delivering results, positions her to contribute meaningfully to the Lady Vols’ progression. The coaching staff sees potential for Swaney to influence every aspect of the team, from practice structure and competitive strategy to mentoring players as they balance academics, athletics, and life beyond the course.
In reflecting on her career, Swaney’s path demonstrates a long-standing commitment to excellence in women’s golf. Her experience with Oklahoma State involved guiding student-athletes through rigorous schedules, travel demands, and the pressures of major championships, all while fostering a culture of accountability, resilience, and teamwork. This philosophy dovetails with Tennessee’s aspirations to cultivate not only top-level golfers but also well-rounded individuals who represent the program with integrity.
Tennessee fans and alumni are likely to follow Swaney’s impact closely as the Lady Vols embark on the upcoming season. The addition is expected to influence both on-course performance and the recruitment landscape, as Swaney’s credibility and proven success record can help attract prospective student-athletes who are drawn to elite competition and strong development programs. The broader NCAA landscape continues to evolve, and Tennessee’s strategic hire aims to position the program for sustained competitiveness within the SEC and on national stages.
The news also comes with excitement about the continuity of leadership at Tennessee, as Cantu and her staff work to translate Swaney’s expertise into tangible improvements for the team. While specific program changes will unfold over the coming months, the overall tone from the coaching staff signals a commitment to building a cohesive, aggressive, and disciplined squad capable of contending for championships and advancing individual golfers to higher levels of play.
As the season approaches, fans can anticipate heightened preparation, refined coaching methods, and a renewed emphasis on competitive excellence. Swaney’s presence is expected to influence practice routines, strategic game planning, and the development of players’ mental approaches to competition, all of which are critical components in achieving on-course success at the collegiate level. Tennessee’s goal remains clear: establish and sustain a program that competes with the nation’s best while shaping student-athletes who excel both in golf and in life beyond the golf course.