DENTON – Newly named North Texas women’s golf head coach Michael Akers was awarded the 2016 Sun Belt Coach of the Year after guiding Texas State to its first Sun Belt Conference tournament championship on April 19.

“I am honored to be recognized by the Sun Belt Conference as the Coach of the Year,” Akers said. “Now, I set my sights on moving up to Conference USA. I am familiar with all the teams in C-USA and have competed against all of them in the past.”

Akers, known for his recruiting and swing development, took a Texas State team that was once ranked No. 148 to 48 in 12 months. The Mean Green are only five years removed from earning a No. 51 ranking and at-large bid to the NCAA regionals for the first time in school-history in the 2010-11 season. North Texas finished the 2015-16 season at No. 198 in the final golfstat rankings.

“We have some work to do in order to compete for a championship but we will get there,” Akers said. “We have so much to sell here at North Texas starting with being academically strong. We have great weather that allows outdoor practice most of the year, our practice facility is incredible, and the DFW area has everything anyone could need. The two major airports are also a huge advantage for team travel, recruiting and student-athlete travel. I will also utilize my past success in the recruiting process.”

The upcoming months will be critical for Akers to implement his culture, create a schedule and incorporate his teaching techniques for the current student-athletes on the roster.

“My immediate priorities on the job at North Texas are building a solid tournament schedule, recruiting, communicating with our current student-athletes, and building relationships with donors, fans and area golf professionals,” Akers said.

Thanks to a generous donation from Bruzzy Westheimer and a partnership with Maridoe Golf Club, the Mean Green will have a brand new practice facility set to be completed by the fall of 2016.

“The current team has embraced my arrival and seem excited for direction and expectations,” Akers said. “I believe they are open minded and ready for the culture change that will take place.”