CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. - On the heels of one of the greatest seasons in program history, Illinois Wesleyan University women's golf assistant coach Craig Onsrud was voted the Golf Pride Women's Golf Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year the WGCA announced Friday, June 7. It is the second time Onsrud has received the honor, having garnered the distinction in 2021.

This season, Onsrud played a pivotal role in one of the program's best seasons ever. With his guidance alongside head coach Patrick Freeman, the Titans won the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin by the largest margin in league history, posted their highest national finish since 2011 (tying for sixth), and registered countless school and conference records.

"Craig is invaluable to our program," Freeman added. "He does so much to ensure that we provide a great student-athlete experience and compete at the highest of levels. Craig's knowledge of the game and the way in which he fosters relationships puts our student-athletes in the best possible position to be successful and grow throughout their careers."

Aided by a starting five that played more than 70 rounds together, the Green and White posted its best team scoring average in program history. Emma Thorman, Lexi Onsrud, Macy Ludwig, Jadyn Spinks, and Jacque O'Neill combined to finish the season with an average of 305.2 strokes per round. The mark broke the previous record of 307.77 set in 2021-22 and marked the third straight season that group has compiled an average below 310. 

Illinois Wesleyan posted the team scoring records for 18 holes, 36 holes, 54 holes, and 72 holes throughout the season. The single-round record came by way of a score of even-par 284 at the 2023 CCIW Championship at Metamora Fields, Oct. 5, which also set the program's single-round versus par record. IWU's record-setting 36-hole score came at the Kathy Niepagen Spring Fling, where the Green and White posted a five-over 581 en route to the team title. The Titans grabbed the CCIW Championship with a 54-hole score of 886, shattering the program record of 910 set in 2021 as well as the conference record. Fittingly, Illinois Wesleyan closed out the year with a 72-hole record-setting performance at the NCAA Championship, May 21-24. There, IWU carded a four-day score of 1216 to break the previous record of 1271 set at the 2008 national championship. 

Along with the team success, the Titans saw countless outstanding individual performances throughout the 2023-24 season. 

Thorman, the CCIW medalist, posted the highest individual NCAA finish in program history as she tied for third at the national tournament. The incredible finish to a decorated career also saw her post the best single-season average (74.90) in program history. She also carded the program's best 54-hole total, tallying a 218 (74-74-70) at the league championship, bettering the previous record of 221. Spinks followed with a 220 as she placed runner-up at the CCIW Championship and now holds the second-best 54-hole performance in program laurels.

Ludwig, who extended her program record for career eagles, set the single round record with a five-under 67 at the Kathy Niepagen Spring Fling, April 13. She went on to win the tournament at three-under par to set the 36 hole versus par record. 

The 2024 NCAA Championship saw the individual 72-hole scoring record topped three times. O'Neill was the first to conclude play at the national tournament, tying for 43rd with a 310 (80-78-73-79) to break the previous record set by Rose Kelly (312) at the 2012 NCAA Division III National Championship. Onsrud tied for 17th with a four-day total of 301 (77-77-74-73), while Thorman became the first in program history to shoot sub-300. She carded rounds of 72, 72, 72, and 77 to tie for third and establish a new program record.

In 2005, the Women's Golf Coaches Association began recognizing the outstanding Assistant Golf Coach of the Year. This coach can be at a Division I, II or III institution. Criteria that is reviewed includes Coaching Experience, Coaching Record (Outstanding tournament wins and NCAA finishes, specifically record and improvement for current year), Professional Contributions, and Honors Received in Golf. The Assistant Coach must be a current member of the WGCA. Nominations will be accepted from either the Head Coach of the same team or another WGCA member. The recipient receives a complimentary registration to the next WGCA Member Convention and is recognized at the Business Meeting during the Convention.

Onsrud, who is the head golf professional at Normal's Ironwood Golf Course, has been volunteering his time to the Illinois Wesleyan women's golf team since 2001. A three-time Central Illinois PGA "Teaching Professional of the Year" honoree, Onsrud is a native of Stoughton, Wis. Onsrud is a graduate of Illinois State University, where he played collegiate Division I golf.

What they're saying about Craig Onsrud
"We are so fortunate to have such a passionate, supportive leader of our program, and he has undoubtedly been a primary reason for our recent success as a team. On a personal note, Coach Craigster has changed my life both on and off the golf course, as he cares so deeply about and strives to help his players in any given scenario." - Emma Thorman

"Dad, I wouldn't be the golfer or person I am today if it wasn't for you and the countless time and effort you have poured into my life and golf game. You have not only made a difference in my own life and golf game, but you have touched the lives of so many over the past 20+ years. You are always willing to do anything to help us be the best people we can be on and off the course!" - Lexi Onsrud

""Craig is the most selfless person I know, always willing to do anything for anyone, on or off the golf course." - Jadyn Spinks

"CO is the best, he goes out of his way to help everyone with things golf related and beyond. We are all so lucky to have him." - Jacque O'Neill