In this engaging conversation, Dianne Dailey reflects on her remarkable 30-year career as a women's golf coach at Wake Forest University. She discusses the evolution of women's athletics, the impact of Title IX, and her journey to becoming a coach. Dianne shares insights on the importance of mentorship, building confidence in athletes, and the challenges of fundraising and recruiting. She emphasizes the unique culture at Wake Forest, the significance of relationships in athletics, and her passion for teaching and mentoring young people. Dianne's legacy is one of empowerment, leadership, and a commitment to helping students find their passions.
Dianne Dailey spent 30 years as Wake Forest's women's golf coach before retiring following the 2018 season. During her tenure, she led the Demon Deacons to 30 team titles and 38 individual titles. She won four ACC Championships and led the Deacons to 15 NCAA Championships while being recognized with four ACC Coach of the Year honors. During her tenure, Dailey coached 27 All-Americans, 39 All-ACC selections, five ACC Players of the Year and four ACC Freshmen of the Year including 2018 NCAA Champion Jennifer Kupcho. Dailey led the Deacons to ACC titles in 1994, 1995, 2009 and 2010 while taking the club to an NCAA regional berth every year from 1993 to 2018. A member of the National Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Dailey was the LPGA Coach of the Year in 2001 and is a past president of the NGCA. A 1971 graduate of Salem College, Dailey played professionally on the LPGA Tour following her graduation before becoming Wake Forest's head coach in 1988. Her 30-year tenure as a head coach is the second-longest in school history behind only Jesse Haddock's 32 seasons.
