KINGSTON, Ont. (June 27, 2024) – Kristen MacLaren has left Queen's Golf after six years with the program and Jessie Mercer has been named the new head coach moving forward.
Mercer was a five-year member of the Western Mustangs Women's Golf Team where she was an OUA All-Star all five seasons, receiving First Team honours three times, and Second Team honours twice.
In her five seasons with the Mustangs, Mercer competed in every Canadian University/College Championship, with her best finish coming in her final year where she placed seventh overall and earned a spot on the 2015 FISU World University Games Team which competed in Gwangju, Korea. Mercer and Canada placed ninth in the tournament.
"The opportunity to lead the Queen's Golf program is a true honour, and a responsibility I do not take lightly," Mercer said. "I look forward to working with fellow coaches, staff, and our incredible student-athletes to help this program reach new heights both on and off the golf course. Cha Gheill!"
Since graduating, Mercer has remained active in the game, competing in multiple provincial and national Amateur and Mid-Amateur Championships. Mercer also spent four years working for Golf Ontario as the Manager of Junior Performance.
MacLaren led Queen's Men's Golf to the OUA Championship in 2021, and was also named the OUA Men's Golf Coach of the Year that season.
"The commitment and passion these student-athletes bring to every practice and tournament inspire me daily," MacLaren said. "It's been a joy to guide them through their challenges, celebrate their victories, and witness their resilience and sportsmanship. Seeing their progress, both individually and as a team, has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my coaching career. A few of my 'golden' moments during my coaching career were the Women taking home OUA Silver in 2018, Men's Team bringing home Bronze at Nationals in 2016 and then adding an OUA Men's Championship in 2021. When I took on the role as Head Coach, one of my primary goals was to bring home an OUA championship. I'm proud to say that we achieved this milestone in 2021. This victory stands as a testament to the team's hard work, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence despite missing a season due to COVID.
"Reflecting on these past six years as Head Coach and five years as an Assistant Coach, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to these student-athletes' lives. Coaching this golf team has not only been about improving their game, but also about shaping character and creating lasting memories. I must thank the late Bert Kea and Sandy McBride for bringing me on as an assistant 11 years ago. And to the coaching staff for the last six years, thank you for your time and commitment to the team. Our successes these last six years were because of your dedication!
"I wanted to take a moment to share my excitement about new head coach, Jessie Mercer. Jessie brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the team. With a track record of success at the University, Provincial and National level and a deep passion for the game, I am confident that Jessie will lead the team to new heights going forward!"
An Associate Professional with the PGA of Canada, MacLaren had been with the Gaels' program from since 2014, originally serving as an assistant coach.
"I'd like to thank Kristen for her time and success with the Queen's Golf program for the past six years," said Gareth Cunningham, Director, Recreation & Active Living. "Kristen provided an exceptional student-athlete experience for Queen's Golf members and helped them reach their highest potential on the course."
