EDWARDSVILLE – Edwardsville High School girls golf coach Libby Koonce has resigned from her position after 13 years with the program, including the last eight years as head coach.
Koonce most recently guided the Tigers to a sixth-place finish at the IHSA Girls State Finals, the program’s best finish in 20 years.
Her connection to Edwardsville girls golf spans many years. Koonce was a student-athlete on the 1999 team that qualified for the state tournament before returning to the program as an assistant coach. She was named head coach in 2019.
“It is special when someone who was once part of a program comes back to lead it and help create new opportunities for the next generation,” said Athletics Director Amy Boscolo. “We are grateful that Libby chose to give back to a program that was such an important part of her own experience at Edwardsville. We thank her for her years of dedication and wish her and her family all the best.”
During her eight seasons as head coach, Koonce led the Tigers to five regional championships, one sectional championship and one conference championship. The program qualified for the IHSA State Tournament as a team three times during her tenure. In addition, the Tigers had at least one individual state qualifier each season, resulting in six top-20 individual finishes and one individual state champion.
“While these accomplishments are something I will always cherish, what matters most to me are the relationships built, the lessons learned, and the opportunities I have had to be part of these young women’s lives,” Koonce said. “Coaching has always been about more than golf. It is about helping young women develop confidence, resilience, accountability, and the ability to believe in themselves both on and off the course.
Koonce expressed gratitude to the student-athletes, families, and supporters who contributed to the program’s success throughout her 13 years with Edwardsville girls golf.
“I am incredibly proud of what this program has accomplished over the last 13 years and grateful to every player who has been part of it,” she said.
