Golf: Sliman Announces Hiring Of Plucienski As Golf Assistant

By: Jeff Schneider, Assistant Director of Athletics Communications

LAFAYETTE, La. – Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns head golf coach Theo Sliman has announced the hire of Derek Plucienski as the new golf assistant coach.
 
"First off, I am overwhelmed and excited to announce the hire of an assistant coach to our program and must start off with tremendous gratitude to Dr. Savoie, Dr. Maggard and Jim Harris for the vision and leadership in facilitating this position," Sliman said. "I would also like to thank the many investors of our program as this would not be possible without their support through the Vermillion Links Club.
 
"Derek is a class act and professional who is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about golf. More importantly, he is equally passionate about developing young men in all areas of their collegiate life and future. Derek has excelled competitively from junior golf, collegiate golf and during his time as a professional golfer. That competitiveness will certainly enhance our program. He is eager to start working, and we are honored to bring him onboard our program.""
 
"I am extremely excited to join the program and would like to personally thank Dr. Bryan Maggard and Coach Sliman for this opportunity," Plucienski said. "The University has a storied academic and athletic history that I feel honored to be involved with.  I have great respect for Coach Sliman and look forward to a successful season with him and the future of the golf program."
 
Plucienski served as the Tournament and Operations Manager for the Gulf States Section PGA from 2016-17 directing over 25 Section events annually. Prior to his time with the PGA, Plucienski spent a year with the APT Professional Golf Tour as a Tournament Operations Director overseeing 26 events during the season.
 
Plucienski played professionally from 2013-14 setting the Country Club of Jackson course record with a round of 63.
 
A native of Slidell, La., Plucienski played four seasons at Southern Miss being named the team captain from 2011-12. Plucienski earned All-Conference USA Second Team honors in 2011 after posting the fourth lowest stroke average in school history at 73.1. He was named a David Toms Award Finalist and also competed in the NCAA Colorado Regional that same season.
 
Plucienski also had success prior to college winning the 2007 Gulf States PGA Junior Tour Championship and the 2006 Louisiana Premier Golf Championship. He earned his bachelor’s degree in sport management from Southern Miss in 2011. Plucienski also has a master’s in sport management from Southern Miss in 2013.
 
Plucienski ‘s hiring is pending approval by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors.