FARMINGTON, Utah (May 1, 2026)Â -Â Northern Arizona head coach Brad Bedortha has been named the 2025-26 Jeff Smith Women's Golf Coach of the Year, the Big Sky Conference announced Friday.
The award honors former Weber State head coach Jeff Smith.
Bedortha guided the Lumberjacks to the 2026 Big Sky Championship title, where NAU posted a three-round score of 5-under 847 to finish five shots clear of the competition. The victory marked the program's first conference championship since 2022.
With the win, Northern Arizona secured its 10th Big Sky title and ended Sacramento State's run of three consecutive championships.
This is Bedortha's fifth Big Sky Coach of the Year honor and his first since the Lumberjacks last captured the conference crown.
NAU currently sits at No. 77 in the NCAA rankings, positioned between Brigham Young and Nebraska. Over 30 rounds this season, the Lumberjacks compiled a 293.4 scoring average, earned three team victories, and recorded eight top-10 finishes.
Earlier this week, NAU was selected to compete in the NCAA Regional in Waco, Texas, hosted by Baylor. The regional tournament is scheduled for May 11-13.
Stay up to date with the Northern Arizona women's golf team by following the 'Jacks on Instagram and X.
