Kentucky Women's Tennis, Men's Golf Coaches Resign

Two University of Kentucky teams are in need of a new coach. Today, Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart announced that both Women’s Tennis coach Carlos Drada and Men’s Golf coach Brian Craig have resigned after lengthy tenures to pursue other opportunities. Barnhart says UK will begin national searches to fill both vacancies.

Drada resigns after 18 seasons

Drada was the head coach for 18 seasons, taking over for Mark Guilbeau in the 2005-06 school year. Prior to that, he was an assistant coach for four years. Drada also attended UK and was a four-year letterman in men’s tennis from 1997-2000.

“I want to express my most sincere gratitude to the BBN and to all the staff in this beautiful athletics department,” Drada said in a press release. “I take so many treasures with me during the last 18 seasons as a head coach. I am grateful for each and every one of the athletes that I got to influence, teach and learn from, and especially my team and staff this season. We competed with heart and the process is not finished; the best is yet to come.

“I am grateful for everyone in the community, for everyone who has been with me since I was a student-athlete for this beautiful program back in 1997. I am grateful to Coach (Dennis) Emery for recruiting me to come to this magical place, and I am most grateful to Mr. Barnhart for the powerful opportunities that affected my life, and subsequently, the lives of many. Thank you for being a role model and a man of principle.  It has been a powerful journey to be under your leadership and to witness your powerful purpose.

“Finally, I am grateful to God because I am certain that the best is yet to come for all.”

The Cats ended the 2022-23 season with a 12-13 record, 4-9 in conference play.

“During Carlos’ years on the coaching staff, as he did during his time as a player, he dedicated himself to UK tennis,” Barnhart said. “I’m appreciative of the achievements of his teams and student-athletes and wish the best for him as he moves forward.”

Craig resigns after 22 seasons

Brian Craig has been head coach of UK men’s golf for 22 seasons, beginning with the 2001-02 school year. He guided the Wildcats to a Southeastern Conference championship in 2005, UK’s first and only league title in this sport.

“I’m grateful for Brian’s commitment to the program and his leadership of our student-athletes during his time here,” Barnhart said in a press release. “I am thankful for the accomplishments on the course and in the classroom and wish him the best in the future.”

“It has been the honor and privilege of a lifetime to coach the Kentucky men’s golf team for the last 22 years,” Craig said. “We have accomplished quite a few monumental achievements in that timeframe but that is absolutely not what has made it all worthwhile.

“The lifelong relationships that I have forged with my players, their families, my assistant coaches, our friends of the program and all the extraordinary people here at the University of Kentucky has enriched my life beyond what words can describe.  As I leave to pursue a new path, my family and I will forever be grateful for this adventure and the memories that are permanently ingrained in my heart.  Thank you, Big Blue Nation.”

Mitch Barnhart’s spring just got a little busier.