General | 9/8/2025 10:14:00 AM

BALTIMORE – Coppin State University Director of Athletics Derek Carter has announced that Elam Ruff will serve as its men's & women's head golf coach.  The Eagles will begin competition in both men's and women's golf during the Fall 2026 season, raising the University's number of NCAA Division I programs to 16.
 
Both Coppin State golf teams will compete as members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), continuing Coppin State's proud tradition of representing the conference at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics.
 
"As we introduce men's and women's golf to campus, we're creating new opportunities for student-athletes to compete, graduate, and represent Coppin State University," said Carter. "We're excited to see our Eagles compete in the MEAC and build a nationally respected golf program."
 
Ruff has spent the last two seasons as the head golf coach at Ferrum College, an NCAA Division II program in Virginia. Over that time, Ruff recruited the largest class in program history last season, coached the program's first individual tournament winner in nearly a decade and led the program to three top five finishes last season.
 
"I am truly honored to accept the role of Head Golf Coach at Coppin State University, an institution with such a proud history and tradition," said Ruff. "To be appointed as the first golf coach here in 20 years is both humbling and deeply meaningful."
 
"I want to thank Athletic Director Carter and the search committee for placing their trust in me and for believing in my vision to rebuild and grow the golf program. My commitment is not only to helping our student-athletes compete at the highest level on the course, but also to supporting their success in the classroom and preparing them to be leaders in the Coppin community. This opportunity represents more than a job—it's a chance to build something lasting, and I could not be more excited to get started."
 
Prior to Ferrum, Ruff worked multiple professional events at Congressional Country Club, the site of three U.S. Opens and the PGA Senior Championship. Ruff also served as the head golf coach at Glenelg Country School in Ellicott City, Md., guiding the program to the playoffs, its most wins in three years and a top four finish in the MIAA.
 
He also spent time as an assistant coach at Bishop O'Connell High School in Arlington, Va., where he helped secure a top four finish in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference and recruit the top junior golfer in the State to the program.
 
Ruff also spent time as an assistant coach for the men's basketball program at St. Mary's College of Maryland and supported the University of the District of Columbia athletic department with game-day operations.
 
A native of Washington, D.C., Ruff earned his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Temple University.