Aug. 17, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - For the last four years, Toby Ragland competed at the highest level of college level. In his new role as an assistant coach at UCF, he will be making sure that the Knights do the same.
The former Florida standout was tabbed for the Knights' assistant coach position in early August by new head coach Bryce Wallor.
A native of Jacksonville, Ragland believes that now is the perfect time for him to begin his coaching career. He also feels that UCF is the right place.
"This opportunity was something that I did not want to pass up - a great head coach to work for and a great university," he said. "I really want to help guys pursue their dreams. I want to be a part of helping them develop those goals, and helping them reach them."
While at Florida, Ragland excelled both on and off the course. He posted two top-five finishes as a senior in 2008-09, including taking medalist honors at the Gator Invitational. Ragland earned his bachelor's degree in community health education and received All-America Scholar recognition from the Golf Coaches Association of America this past year.
Ragland was able to balance academics and athletics. He plans to make sure that UCF student-athletes do the same.
"I think I am going to be able to understand exactly what they are going through," Ragland said. "I was there for the last four years. I understand the academics; the pressures."
Ragland says that he is enjoying working with and learning from Wallor. The pair's relationship dates back four years ago. Wallor, who served as an assistant at Tennessee before coming to UCF, watched Ragland play in several collegiate tournaments, and the duo also worked together each summer at the Gator Golf Camp.
"I really knew that I would be working for a hard worker," Ragland said of his new boss. "The big attraction (at UCF) was knowing that I would be working for a great coach."
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