LAKE CHARLES – Derek Plucienski, a Louisiana native and recent assistant men's golf coach at Louisiana-Lafayette, has been named the new head coach for the McNeese Cowboys, Director of Athletics Bruce Hemphill announced on Wednesday.
 
Plucienski fills the spot that was open after former head coach Austin Burk left in December to join the private sector while Cowgirls' head coach Mike Fluty assumed the role as the Cowboys' interim head coach during the spring season.
 
Plucienski spent the 2018-19 season at ULL where he helped coach and develop Micah Goulas who was this year's Louisiana Sports Writers Association (LSWA) Newcomer of the Year.
 
"We're excited to have Derek as our men's golf coach," said Hemphill. "He impressed everyone on the committee with his knowledge, energy and enthusiasm to lead our program.
 
"With Derek, the Cowboy golf program will continue to contend for conference championships and increase the McNeese brand nationally."
 
"I am extremely honored to be joining the McNeese State University family as the next head men's golf coach," said Plucienski. "I would like to thank our Director of Athletics Bruce Hemphill and the entire hiring committee; Tanner Stines, Bridget Martin, and Quitman Moon for believing in me and my vision for our men's golf program.
 
"This is an incredible opportunity. Additionally, I need to thank Coach (Mike) Fluty and Coach (Billy) Gabbert for doing an outstanding job this past spring season. Moving forward, I will continue to depend on Coach Gabbert as the volunteer assistant coach. As a former standout player and a McNeese alum, he is an asset to our program.
 
"Furthermore, I'd like to give a heartfelt thank you to Coach Theo Sliman at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette for providing me with the opportunity to be his assistant coach and paving the path to the head coach position at McNeese.
 
"I look forward to meeting all of our players, supporters, and entrenching myself and our program in the surrounding community. The facilities in the Lake Charles area are outstanding and afford us the ability to practice and compete for championships.
 
The McNeese men's golf program has achieved great success both on and off the course and that is something I will continue and build on. Geaux Pokes!"
 
Prior to joining the ULL staff, Plucienski served as the Tournament and Operations Manager for the Gulf States Section PGA from 2016-17 directing over 25 Section events annually. Before then, he 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. He 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.
 
 
What Others Are Saying about Derek Plucienski:
 
"It is bittersweet to see McNeese State University name Coach Plucienski their Head Men's Golf Coach. Coach Plucienski has been instrumental for our program here at the University of Louisiana and will be dearly missed. McNeese is getting a great Coach that holds the title of Coach in high regard. Derek is extremely knowledgeable about the game of golf as he has competed on a National scene as a collegiate and professional player, that knowledge will be instrumental for his players and future recruits. He is detailed, organized, and professional in every aspect of his career, yet it is his passion for Coaching that sets him apart in our profession. McNeese hit a hole in one with this hire."
– Theo Sliman, Head Men's Golf Coach, University of Louisiana
 
"McNeese made a great hire in Derek. He's passionate about our game and that passion along with his energy is a great asset to any program. When you're looking for a leader you want someone who fully believes in what they do and is willing to listen and learn from the best. He played collegiately at a high level and was a team captain. Just by knowing that his players will buy in to his system and benefit. He will bring a team approach to McNeese and that's a trait that all the coaches at the best programs have. I think the future is very bright at McNeese."
– Jim Garren, Head Men's Golf Coach, Coastal Carolina University
 
"Derek is a class act and an extremely hard worker. I have spent a lot of time with Derek on the recruiting trail and know he is going to be a tireless worker who will do things the right way. I know he will be a great leader of young men and will take pride in being the Head Men's Golf Coach at McNeese State."
– Dusty Smith, Head Men's Golf Coach, Mississippi State University