BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Samford head women's golf coach and former Senior Associate Director of Athletics Joe Davidson announced his retirement Monday.
 
"Joe has been a steady and respected leader for our women's golf program for many years and has served Samford University now for nearly a decade," Samford Director of Athletics Martin Newton said. "His commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the course has left a lasting impact on Samford Athletics. On a personal note, I have known Joe for many years and I'm so appreciative of his friendship and mentorship over the years. We are grateful for his years of service and wish him all the best in this next chapter of life."
 
Davidson spent the last five seasons at the helm of the women's golf program. In that time, his teams posted six tournament wins. Last season, then-freshman Gabi Nicastro earned a bid to the NCAA Auburn Regional and also won the Alabama Women's Amateur title.
 
Prior to taking over the women's golf program, Davidson worked in the Samford Athletics Department as the Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Facilities and Operations from April of 2016 until August of 2020. In addition to his oversight of the facilities and operations staff, Davidson served on Newton's Senior Leadership Team for the department.
 
"I want to thank everyone who has been a part of my journey in collegiate athletics over the last 45 years," Davidson said. "I have been a part of three outstanding institutions and have seen them all grow to where they are today. The last five years coaching the women's golf team here have been exciting, fun and successful. I will miss working with these young ladies, but I know they will all have great success in the future, both on and off and course."
 
Before working in the Samford Athletics Department in 2016, Davidson served as the Samford University Facility and Safety Coordinator from 2012 to 2016.
 
Prior to coming to Samford, Davidson worked at his alma mater, UAB, as the facility coordinator for housing and residential life from 2009 to 2011. He served in sales and marketing for ESPN Regional in Charlotte from 2007 to 2009, working with The ESPN National Golf Challenge.
 
Davidson served as the executive director of alumni affairs at UAB from 2000 to 2004. He was the director of athletics at Jacksonville State University from 1998 to 2000, overseeing a staff of 70.
 
Prior to being named AD at Jacksonville State, Davidson spent 18 years working in athletics at UAB from 1980 to 1998. During his original stint with the Blazers, Davidson served in the roles of graduate assistant, coordinator of athletic academic services, head men's golf coach, athletic ticket manager, assistant athletic director for business and senior associate athletic director.
 
In addition to his work in athletics, Davidson also worked as an instructor at UAB in special studies, school of education and graduate school for athletic facilities and management, and athletic administration.
 
Davidson owns two degrees from UAB. He earned a B.S. in Education in 1981 and a Master's in Education with an emphasis on Athletic/Sports Administration in 1983.
 
A national search for Samford's next women's golf coach will begin immediately.
 
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