Following the administration's decision to split of the men's and women's golf team, Darby Sligh was hired as the Illinois State head women's golf coach.

Sligh also has an impressive list of collegiate honors and athletic achievements. She was named to the All-Southeastern Conference Second Team after the 2003-04 season, and in 2004, was named the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year. From 2002-2004, Sligh was a member of the Academic All-SEC team.

Sligh was the co-captain of the Crimson Tide women's golf team from 2002-05. During her collegiate career, Sligh had nine top-10 finishes.

After graduation, Sligh was named head women's coach at Newberry College in Newberry, S.C. She was responsible for every aspect of the women's golf program, including recruiting, administrative duties, practice and workout schedules. She also served as co-director of the Mid-Carolina Invitational, hosted by Newberry College.

In just two years at the helm of the Newberry women's golf team, Sligh was able to produce a South Atlantic Conference (SAC) Championship, win league coach of the year honors and have six players named to the All-SAC team.

Sligh has had premier work experiences on the golf course. She was the fi rst female to secure the position of shift supervisor for the practice range at the Masters Champsionship at Augusta National Golf Course in Augusta, Ga. The position later helped Sligh become a caddie at LPGA tour events. Sligh caddied fi ve events on the LPGA tour, including working with Diana Ramage.