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University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Asheville Athletics Announces Multi-Year Contract Extensions for Elizabeth Lykins and Ross Cash
05.22.2025 | Women's Golf, Women's Swimming & Diving
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – UNC Asheville Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone announced on Thursday (May 22) the contract extensions for Swim & Dive Head Coach Elizabeth Lykins and Women's Golf Head Coach Ross Cash.
"The leadership that both Elizabeth and Ross exemplify has helped take both the swim & dive and golf programs to new heights," said Cone. "I am excited for the future and continued success of both programs."
Cash completed his third season at the helm of the women's golf program following the 2024-25 season. This past season, the Bulldogs advanced to match play at the Big South Conference Championship for the second time in program history. The Bulldogs collected seven postseason awards, with Caroline Patterson leading the way by earning Newcomer of the Year. The Bulldogs posted six top-five finishes on the season. Patterson became Asheville's third-ever individual tournament champion following her victory at the Velvet Classic in September. Morgan Guepet tied the school record for most Freshman of the Week honors in a season, as she earned the honor four times.
"It's an exciting time to be a part of the Bulldog family," said Cash. "This is an amazing and unique opportunity here in Asheville. I love my job, and we are building a winning team here and doing it the right way. I'd like to thank AD Cone and Chancellor van Noort for their vote of confidence and support for the program."
UNC Asheville Women's Swimming and Diving went 4-3 in duals in 2024-25 under Lykins, extending its dual winning streak to 14 straight inside the Justice Center dating back to October 2020. Asheville saw two school records and three freshman records fall this season, with two records coming in the pool and three on the diving boards under Lykins. Asheville also collected three weekly Atlantic Sun Conference awards during the season, finishing fourth at the ASUN Championships for the second year in a row. Riley Edmundson finished third in the 200 fly for a bronze medal finish. Grace Adams and Caitlin Hefner each earned Academic All-ASUN honors, while the pair, along with Edmundson and Julie Lahiff, each earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honors.
"I'm incredibly honored and grateful to Janet Cone for the opportunity to extend my time with UNC Asheville," said Lykins. "Over the past 13 seasons, it's been a privilege to watch this program grow and to work alongside such dedicated student-athletes and staff. I'm excited for what's ahead and look forward to continuing to build on the foundation we've created together."
Players Mentioned
