DEMOREST, Ga. – Piedmont University Athletics has announced the hiring of Blake Watson as the new Head Women's Golf Coach. Watson officially joined the Lions in September 2025 after spending the past two seasons as an assistant coach at East Tennessee State University.

"We are excited to welcome Blake to Piedmont and our athletic department," said Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Jamie Purdy. "His background in both coaching and program development, combined with his experience working with championship-level teams, makes him an outstanding fit to lead our women's golf program. We are confident he will continue to build upon the success of our student-athletes both on and off the course."

During his tenure at ETSU, Watson assisted both the men's and women's programs in all aspects of recruiting, player development, scheduling and facility management. His time with the Buccaneers was highlighted by multiple Southern Conference Championships, including the 2024 and 2025 men's titles and the 2024 women's championship. He also coached ETSU standout Mats Ege to All-America First Team honors in 2024 and helped guide the men's team to a 12th-place finish at the 2024 NCAA National Championship.

"I am honored to join Piedmont University and grateful for the opportunity to lead the women's golf program," said Watson. "Piedmont has a strong tradition of excellence, and I look forward to working with our student-athletes to help them reach their goals in the classroom and on the golf course."

Watson is a native of Toccoa, Georgia and previously served as a graduate assistant coach at Point University while earning his MBA in 2023. He also worked as an assistant golf professional at Chimney Oaks Golf Club, where he contributed to the facility's recognition among Golf Advisor's Top 50 U.S. Courses. Watson earned his BBA in Accounting from Point University in 2020, competing as a member of the men's golf team before pursuing a career in coaching.