SAN MARCOS, Texas – Director of Athletics Larry Teis and the Texas State athletic department announced the hiring of Par Nilsson as the head coach for the women's golf program on Friday. Nilsson comes to Texas State after spending six seasons as an assistant coach and interim head coach for the Oklahoma State Cowgirls, three seasons as an assistant coach with the Denver Pioneers men's team, and five years of professional experience.
"I am excited to further the success of the women's golf team at Texas State," Nilsson said. "I see great opportunities for this team with strong academics, a beautiful campus, and state of the art golf facilities. I am looking forward to winning championships here and competing at the highest level. I want to thank Dr. Larry Teis, Travis Comer, and President Denise Trauth for the opportunity. I cannot wait to get started."
"Par has been part of successful programs at each stop he has made. His teams at Denver were atop the Sun Belt Conference standings, while Oklahoma State won the 2016 Big 12 Conference championship," Teis said. "We believe his track record and leadership skills will allow him to continue moving Texas State women's golf in the correct direction. I want to thank Travis Comer and the search committee for their hard work in finding coach Nilsson."
Under the guidance of head coach Courtney Jones at Oklahoma State, Nilsson helped lead the Cowgirls to five-straight NCAA Regional appearances. OSU claimed 10 team titles during his six-year stint in Stillwater, Okla., to include the 2016 Big 12 Conference crown. The Cowgirls posted an 11th place outing in the 2016 NCAA Championship.
At Oklahoma State, Nilsson was integral in recruiting, fundraising, scheduling, and budgeting. He served as the lead coach for player development, sport psychology, time management, and social media. His role in recruiting led to the best signing class in program history in 2019 with two players ranked inside the top-50 of the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR).
Prior to Oklahoma State, Nilsson served as an assistant coach at Denver working with the men's golf program. His main duty was to recruit at an elite level, both nationally and internationally. He served a critical role in practice progressions, player development, social media, and compliance with NCAA rules and regulations.
Nilsson turned to the professional ranks after four successful seasons as a member of the Oklahoma State men's team from 2000-04. He was a two-time All-America selection in '01 and '02. Nilsson added All-Big 12 first team nods from 2001-03 and Academic All-Big 12 accolades in '02 and '03. The Cowboys were 2003 NCAA Championship runners-up and, individually, Nilsson notched his best performance with an eighth-place effort in the 2002 National Championship.
On the amateur circuit, Nilsson twice represented Sweden at the World Amateur Team Championship, competing in 2000 and 2002. He was also a member of the victorious European squad at the 2003 Palmer Cup. Nilsson made four starts as an amateur on the European Tour as well.
Nilsson competed professionally across the globe from 2005-09 before beginning his coaching career with the Pioneers in 2010.
Nilsson, a native of Ljungsbro, Sweden, received a degree in marketing from Oklahoma State in 2004. He and his wife, Erica, have one son, Axel.
What they are saying about Par Nilsson:
Mike Holder, Oklahoma State Athletic Director
Par played for me at Oklahoma State and he was a very hard worker. He has paid his dues as an assistant and I am confident that he is ready to be a head coach. I expect to see Texas State competing for championships under his leadership.
Mike McGraw, Baylor Men's Golf Head Coach
Par was always one of the most diligent and hard-working players during his time at Oklahoma State. He came to Stillwater barely able to speak the language, and he graduated in four years as a two-time Academic All-Big 12 player, in addition to twice being named an All-American golfer. That says a lot about his commitment to academics as well. He was a great teammate in every respect. He will be an outstanding head coach.
Greg Robertson, Oklahoma State Women's Golf Head Coach
Texas State just landed a big-time hire with Coach Nilsson. He is one of the top up-and-coming coaches in college golf. He is a man of high character, who is a tireless recruiter and is extremely knowledgeable about the game of golf. All the current and future players in the program will benefit greatly, from both a golf and personal standpoint, having been coached by him.
Alan Bratton, Oklahoma State Men's Golf Head Coach
Par has played at a high level at a great program. He has coached both men and women at multiple schools at various levels. He has connections recruiting nationally and internationally and experience fundraising at an elite level. He knows how to identify talent and develop it and players love playing for him. Texas State hit a home run. We could not be happier for Par and his family as he steps up as a head coach.
Lindsay Kuhle, Denver Women's Golf Head Coach
I had the pleasure of working with Par and have always been impressed with his golf knowledge, coaching style, and demeanor on and off the golf course. Par is an exceptional player himself and can communicate golf skills, coaching strategies, and ideas that he has experienced very well to his players. He understands what it takes to be a top player, technically, and most importantly with the mental game. Having learned sport performance at the University of Denver, he was able to take the knowledge and help his players improve with mental skills, confidence, and their attitude. He demonstrates a winning attitude by doing things the right way and will be a very successful coach and mentor to the Texas State young women golfers."
Linnea Johansson, Oklahoma State All-American and current Symetra tour player
I was honored to have coach Nilsson as my coach during my time in college. He leads by example and he always gave it 100% no matter what. He is a hard-working coach that always wants the best for every player. Coach Nilsson has a wealth of knowledge about the game of golf that helped the team to succeed on and off the course. Any player who wants to become successful should be thrilled to have coach Nilsson as a coach.