CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Queens University of Charlotte Director of Athletics Cherie Swarthout announces Lauren Martin as the new Director of Golf. Martin earned the promotion after spending last season as an assistant coach for the men's and women's golf teams.
 
"Lauren Martin has been an integral part of our golf program, and we are excited to elevate her into the role of Director of Golf," said Swarthout. "She is a proven leader who understands our culture, cares deeply about the holistic development of our student-athletes, and is committed to competing for championships while providing an outstanding student-athlete experience. Lauren's vision, relationships, and passion for Queens make her the right leader to guide our program into its next chapter."
 
Martin, a former women's golf standout at Lincoln Memorial, was coached by former Queens leader Christian Pickeral. At LMU, Martin earned a Division 2 South Region bid as an individual in 2024. The two-time South Atlantic Conference All-League and All-Tournament honoree graduated from LMU with the lowest single-season scoring average (74.4) and the lowest career scoring average (75.94). Martin was also the previous 54-hole record holder (216) and had 19 career top 10 finishes.
 
Following her playing career, Martin assumed the role of assistant coach at the University of Montevallo. The North Carolina native returned home this past season and spent one season under Pickeral as an assistant coach for the men's and women's golf programs.
 
The Royals women's team started the fall season with a fourth-place finish at the Tribe Invitational hosted by William and Mary. In the spring, Queens opened the new campaign with a seventh-place finish at the Battle at the Beach hosted by Stonehill. The Royals made their fourth straight ASUN Tournament appearance and placed 12^th as a team, as Karolyn Rombouts led the charge with a top 25 finish, shooting 10 over par. Rombouts and teammate Maria Bethania Fernandez were named Academic All-ASUN at the conclusion of the season.
 
The Queens men's golf team finished ninth at the 2025-26 Atlantic Sun Conference Championship. Throughout the season, the men's golf team put together outstanding performances on day one of tournaments. At the Bryan National Collegiate Tournament hosted by UNCG to open the fall season, the Royals were locked into fifth place out of 14 teams after day one. A month later at the Phoenix Invitational, Queens sat fourth after the opening round and carried their momentum into day two and placed fifth out of 16 teams. Three Royals were named Academic All-ASUN, and Ed Davis garnered ASUN Golfer of the Week honors on September 25^th.
 
"I am incredibly excited to become the Director of Golf/Head Women's Golf Coach at Queens," said Martin. "This university has been wonderful to me this past year, and I am happy to remain in the Queen City and continue developing our golf programs. I am thankful for the athletic department's belief in me and excited to kickstart our season this fall."
 
A search is underway for a new men's golf head coach.
 
Be sure to follow the Royals women's golf team on Facebook, Instagram, and X to stay up to date on all the latest news surrounding the team. Follow the Royals men's golf team on Facebook, Instagram, and X to stay updated. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics to stay updated on all the Royals sports teams in action by searching @QueensAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.