Bill Rankin joined Bryce Wallor[apos]s staff as an assistant coach at UCF in July 2011. A former collegiate standout at Michigan, Rankin has helped the Knights enjoy great success since his arrival in Orlando.
UCF advanced to the NCAA Championship in back-to-back seasons during Rankin[apos]s first two years with the program. In 2011-12, the Knights played in the NCAA Championship for the fifth time in program history, finishing tied for 19th at the event. The Knights, who won three tournament titles during the year, spent the entire season in the top 25 nationally, moving as high as No. 6. In 2012-13, UCF once again played in the NCAA Championship, this time finishing tied for 16th. That came on the heels of a runner-up finish at the NCAA Tempe Regional, which saw Greg Eason bring home the school[apos]s first-ever individual NCAA Regional title. For the second consecutive year, the Knights won three tournaments. UCF finished the 2012-13 season ranked No. 26 in the nation.
With Rankin[apos]s mentorship, several Knights have been impressive over the past two seasons. In 2012-13, Eason earned first-team All-America honors, Conference USA Player of the Year accolades, All-C-USA First Team recognition and all-region honors in addition to his regional championship. In 2011-12, Brad Schneider, Ricardo Gouveia and Jose Joia each earned PING All-Southeast Region honors. Gouveia was selected as the Conference USA Newcomer of the Year and joined Schneider on the All-C-USA First Team. Joia and Eason were named to the all-conference second team.
Rankin played at Michigan from 2005-09. As a senior, he was co-captain of a squad that recorded the best season in school history, tying for third at the NCAA Championship. A native of Traverse City, Mich., Rankin competed in 44 events as a Wolverine, and registered 21 top-30 finishes.
Before turning pro in 2010, Rankin was ranked as high as No. 114 in the World Amateur Rankings. He played in the 2007 and 2009 U.S. Amateur Championship, advanced to the round of 32 at the 2008 British Amateur and advanced to U.S. Open sectionals in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.
After concluding his college eligibility, Rankin worked as an undergraduate assistant at Michigan in 2009, assisting with practice organization and the management of the Wolverine Intercollegiate.
In 2010, Rankin participated in the PGA TOUR Q-School, advancing as far as the second stage. He advanced through the pre-qualifying and first stages of Q-School.
Rankin graduated from Michigan in 2009 with a bachelor[apos]s degree in sociology.