May 30, 2026, 12:25 p.m. ET

The biggest job vacancy in the current women’s college golf head coaching cycle has been filled.

Alabama announced Saturday it hired Lydia Lasprilla to lead the Crimson Tide women’s golf program. Lasprilla spent the past eight seasons at Houston, five of those as head coach. Now, she’s heading to Tuscaloosa looking to help Alabama make its return to the NCAA Championship for the first time since 2022.

“I am so honored to join the University of Alabama as the head women’s golf coach,'”Lasprilla said in a release. “The tradition, the brand, and the university is very special. To see the investment that Alabama has made, especially in the golf facility at Crimson Reserve, is unmatched. I am looking forward to building a winning culture and winning championships for years to come. I can’t wait to get started and am so thankful for this opportunity.”

Lasprilla guided the Cougars to historical success, leading the program to four consecutive NCAA Regional appearances from 2023 through 2026 and its first-ever berth in the NCAA Championships in 2026. Under Lasprilla’s leadership, the Cougars reached new heights since she assumed her head coach role in 2021-22. At the beginning of her tenure, Houston was ranked No. 69 nationally and this season, the Cougars climbed to No. 27 in the NCAA Women’s Scoreboard rankings. In addition to climbing up the national rankings, Houston finished 20th overall at the 2026 NCAA Championships.

Lasprilla became the second head coach in Houston history with her hiring in June 2021.

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“We are excited to welcome Lydia Lasprilla as the next head coach of Alabama golf,” Alabama athletic director Gre Byrne said. “Lydia is a rising star in the sport and did an exceptional job during her time at Houston. Lydia’s vision aligned with Alabama’s commitment to comprehensive excellence. We look forward to her leading Alabama golf to championship levels.”

Houston Vice President for Athletics Eddie Nunez said a national search would commence to replace Lasprilla.

Golfweek’s Lance Ringler contributed to this report.