ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. – St. Bonaventure University Vice President and Director of Athletics Bob Beretta has announced the addition of women's golf as a Bonnies varsity sport beginning in the 2026-27 academic year.

"We are thrilled to add women's golf to our intercollegiate athletics portfolio beginning in 2026-27," Beretta said. "Women's golf has proved to be one of the fastest-growing sports in the NCAA the past several years and we are excited to have another St. Bonaventure athletic program compete for an Atlantic 10 Conference championship. The addition of women's golf also aligns with the University's strategic enrollment goals and assists in our gender-equity efforts."

St. Bonaventure will join fellow Atlantic 10 members Loyola-Chicago, Dayton, Richmond, Duquesne, La Salle, and Saint Joseph's in sponsoring women's golf.

St. Bonaventure will hire a Director of Golf who will oversee both the men's and women's programs as men's head coach Ryan Swanson announced his resignation to become golf professional at Lake View Country Club in North East, Pa.

"We would like to thank Ryan Swanson for his leadership as head coach of the golf program for the past nine years," Beretta said. "'Swanny' is a Bonnie through and through. His passion, loyalty and dedication to St. Bonaventure Golf, first as a player, then as a coach, is unmatched. We are immensely grateful for his selfless contributions to our University, the athletic department and the golf program over the years. We wish 'Swanny' the best of luck in his future endeavors."

Swanson, a Class of 2008 Bonnies Golf graduate, led the program to some of its finest seasons during his tenure while guiding several of Bona's all-time program leaders.

In addition to the new Director of Golf, Bona's will add an assistant coach to work with both programs as well.

Bartlett Country Club in Olean will serve as the home course for both the men's and women's teams.

"Introducing women's golf as our 20^th intercollegiate athletic program would not be possible without tremendous assistance from the leadership at Bartlett Country Club," Beretta added. "We have been extremely fortunate to have our men's golf team train at Bartlett for many years. Extending this partnership to provide a first-rate training facility for our women's golf program is something we value greatly."

The inaugural Atlantic 10 Women's Golf Championship was held last month after the conference added women's golf to its sport profile for this academic year.

Women's golf becomes the 20th varsity athletics program at St. Bonaventure.