Roger Yaffe has announced that he will be stepping down as the executive director of the Women’s Golf Coaches Association at the end of 2025. Yaffe has been in this role since 1998 and has played a significant role in the growth of the association. Under his leadership, the WGCA has seen a substantial increase in membership, growing from 300 women’s collegiate golf coaches to over 750 in 2024. His departure marks the end of an era for the organization, and a national search will soon begin to find his successor by July 1, 2025.
Reflecting on his time with the WGCA, Yaffe expressed gratitude for the support of coaches, members of the golf industry, and past and current board members. He emphasized the progress that has been made during his tenure, stating that the strides taken together could not have been imagined when he first took on the role 26 years ago. Yaffe looks forward to a smooth transition in the coming year as he prepares to pass the torch to the next executive director.
WGCA President Kelley Hester praised Yaffe for his dedication and expertise in the women’s college golf niche. She expressed support for his decision to retire and reflected on the honor of working alongside him as the organization flourished under his guidance. Hester highlighted the impact Yaffe has had on the organization and the college golf world, recognizing his invaluable contributions over the past 26 years.
As Yaffe prepares for his final year with the WGCA, there will be no immediate changes to the association’s day-to-day operations. The board and staff will continue to work together to ensure a smooth transition to new leadership. Yaffe’s departure will mark the end of an era for the WGCA, but his legacy will live on in the growth and success of the organization that he has helped to shape over the years.
Yaffe’s tenure as executive director has been marked by his close collaboration with the WGCA board to implement the association’s initiatives. He has worked alongside 14 past presidents, contributing to the organization’s evolution and expansion. Yaffe’s leadership has been instrumental in fostering a supportive and thriving community of women’s collegiate golf coaches, and his impact will be felt beyond his time with the organization.
Looking ahead, the WGCA will soon begin the process of selecting a new executive director to lead the organization into its next chapter. The national search for Yaffe’s successor will commence next week, with the goal of filling the position by July 1, 2025. The incoming executive director will have big shoes to fill as they navigate the unique landscape of women’s college golf and carry on the legacy of growth and excellence established under Yaffe’s leadership.
In conclusion, Roger Yaffe’s upcoming departure as the executive director of the Women’s Golf Coaches Association marks the end of a significant chapter in the organization’s history. His contributions to the growth and success of the WGCA are evident in the substantial increase in membership and the advancements made during his 26-year tenure. As the association prepares for a new era under new leadership, the legacy of Yaffe’s leadership and dedication will continue to shape the future of women’s collegiate golf coaching.
