WICHITA, Kan. – Following the news of Friends University Women's Golf head coach Paul Howe's untimely passing, Paige Barnes has been named the program's interim head coach for the remainder of the 2024-25 season, the institution announced Thursday.

"Coach Barnes is the right person to lead our women's team this spring," said Dustin Galyon, Friends University Director of Golf and men's golf head coach. "I believe that our women's team has the talent to compete at a very high level."

Barnes joined the Falcons as a graduate assistant intern coach after competing collegiately at KCAC member Sterling College.

In the fall season, Barnes helped the Falcons claim the Carmichael Cup in the first competition of 2024 and also record a top three finish at the KCAC Match Play event in October.

"I'm thankful for the opportunity to lead the women's team," said Barnes. "Friends has always been a university with a special community, and I'm glad to be part of it. The team has continued to grow this year, and I am excited for the level of competition and to watch them succeed."
 

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