KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Rogers State Women's Golf first-year head coach Lexi Johnson was named the 2025-2026 MIAA Women's Golf Co-Coach of the Year, as announced by the league on Monday afternoon. Johnson shared the honor with Washburn head coach Ronnie McHenry.
 
"This is an incredible accomplishment, and I'm so proud of what Lexi has achieved in her first year leading the women's golf program," said Dr. Chris Ratcliff, RSU Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, on Johnson being named Co-MIAA Coach of the Year. "The MIAA is one of the toughest conferences in the country. Lexi had some big shoes to fill and has done a fantastic job. She has a bright future ahead, and I look forward to seeing what the program can become in the years to come."
 
Johnson joins former RSU head coach Whitney Hocutt as the second head coach in program history to earn MIAA Coach of the Year honors. Hocutt was recognized as the MIAA Coach of the Year in 2021-2022 and the MIAA Co-Coach of the Year in 2020-21.
 
Appointed head of the women's golf program last July, Johnson, a native of Owasso, Oklahoma, has guided the Hillcats to eight top-10 finishes, including two tournament victories in her inaugural season. In her coaching debut, RSU dominated at the NSU Women's Golf Classic at Page Belcher Golf Course, winning by seven strokes. The Hillcats also secured their sixth consecutive title at the Hillcat Classic, held at Bailey Ranch Golf Club.
 
The Hillcats are in a strong position for postseason play, currently ranked No. 2 in the last two NCAA Division II Central Region Rankings. Additionally, they were recognized as the top team in the region on March 28, marking the first time they achieved this since 2022. RSU has consistently been the top team from MIAA in every poll.
 
Rogers State is currently competing at the 2026 MIAA Women's Golf Championship in Warrensburg, Missouri. For more information about the conference tournament held at the Mules National Golf Club, visit 2026 WOMEN'S GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP - Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association.