CLAREMORE, Okla. – Rogers State Head Women's Golf Coach Whitney Hocutt was recognized at the annual Leading Ladies Gala, hosted by the Claremore Chamber of Commerce, on Wednesday night.
 
The event honors 10 women in the Claremore community who go above and beyond the call of duty and are nominated by their peers. All nominations are sent out-of-town for judging.
 
"Whitney has played a big role in the success of the Development Office and the Foundation," said RSU Vice President for Development Steve Valencia. "She is committed to the success of RSU and its students, and she shares that passion on a daily basis. Whitney is a great ambassador for RSU and is deserving of being named as a Leading Lady in Education."
 
Hocutt received the Leader in Education Award presented by Robson Properties. In addition to her role as Head Women's Golf Coach, Hocutt also serves as the Coordinator of Annual Giving with the RSU Foundation.
 
"I am honored to have been nominated and selected as the Leading Lady in Education," said Hocutt. "It is a testament to my family; both my parents have worked in the public school system in Oklahoma my entire life and I am proud to have been raised by two amazing educators. They instilled how important it is to give your best in everything you do, treat everyone with respect and to give back to your community. I have also been blessed to be around amazing teachers, coaches, and colleagues who taught and mentored me (there are too many to name and thank individually). 
 
This award would not be possible without the people mentioned above. Most importantly, it would not be possible without all the students, the athletes, and the great young adults who I have had the privilege to teach and coach. Thank you to those individuals who allowed me the opportunity to impact their lives and thank you for impacting mine. 
 
Lastly, thank you Rogers State University, Claremore Public Schools, and Miami High School. I would not be where I am without each of these public school systems that developed me into the educator I am today. Thank you Claremore Chamber and congratulations to the other Leading Ladies of 2024!"
 
Hocutt has built the Hillcat Women's Golf program into one of the preeminent programs in Division II with multiple National Championship appearances as well as being named the 2021 WGCA Central Region
Coach of the Year and MIAA Coach of the

Year in 2021 and 2022. Not only is her team consistently successful on the course, they are just as successful in the classroom as they routinely earn the top team GPA in the Hillcat Athletic Department.
 
Away from coaching, Hocutt is a strong advocate for community service. She has served as a board member for Leadership Rogers County, a committee member for the SafeNet Festival of Trees, and a mentor with the PAL Program through Volunteers for Youth. She is also an integral part of organizing the RSU Foundation's yearly Giving Week campaign, which is designed to inspire alumni, staff, faculty, and friends to make contributions to the Foundation in support of scholarships and projects that will directly benefit RSU students.
 
Hocutt was one of two award winners with Hillcat Athletics ties, as Ellen Thomas received the Non-Profit Leadership Award presented by Red Crown Credit Union for her work with Rogers County Youth Services. Thomas is a former RSU cross country and track and field athlete.

The 2024 Leading Ladies Gala Award Winners and Presenting Sponsors
 

• Rising Star, presented by TTCU: Colby Sutherland, Safenet Services
• Behind The Scenes, presented by RCB Bank: Catalina Leal, Baker Hughes
• Community Supporter, presented by City of Claremore Government: Amber Brassfield, Volunteers for Youth
• Non-Profit Leadership, presented by Red Crown Credit Union: Ellen Thomas, Rogers County Youth Services
• Leader in Manufacturing, presented by Claremore Economic Development: Angel Piotter, AXH Air-Coolers
• Leader in Education, presented by Robson Properties: Whitney Hocutt, Rogers State University
• Leader in Health, presented by A New Image Medical Spa: Dr. Judy Riley
• Leader in Government, presented by Baker Hughes: Missy Richardson, Rogers County
• Leader in Business, presented by Wallace For Life Essential Oils: Gentry Stafford, Spectrum Paint Company
• Leading Lady of the Year, presented by Northeast Tech: Gina Helt, Helt Heating and Air Conditioning