Texas Tech University Athletics
Sands names James Vargas Associate Head Coach
June 13, 2023 | Men's Golf
The Former Arizona assistant will join the Red Raiders later this week
LUBBOCK, Texas – Fresh off a third consecutive appearance at the NCAA Championships, Texas Tech head coach Greg Sands announced the addition of James Vargas Tuesday afternoon.
Vargas, who comes to Texas Tech after spending the last two seasons at Arizona, will serve as the Red Raiders associate head coach.
After the strong 2020-21 season at North Texas, Vargas accepted a role at the University of Arizona, where he helped guide the Wildcats to the NCAA Bryan Regional title and the program's first trip to the NCAA Championships since 2011.
During his two seasons with the Wildcats, Vargas helped mentor multiple all-conference selections including Christian Banke who named to the All-Pac-12 First Team in 2021-22 and Chase Sienkiewicz who named a Second Team All-Pac-12 selection in both of his seasons.
This season, Arizona won its home tournament (the Arizona NIT) for the first time since 2003, as freshman Zach Pollo earned co-medalist honors. Pollo was the first UofA freshman to win a tournament since 2004.
In both of Vargas' seasons with the Wildcats advanced to a regional, highlighted by the aforementioned trip to the NCAA Championships in 2021-22.
After a professional career that included appearances on the Web.Com Tour (now Korn Ferry Tour) and the PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, Vargas made the transition to college coaching, where he coached with former Florida assistant Brad Stracke at North Texas.
Throughout his time with the Mean Green, Vargas helped mentor 2021 C-USA Freshman of the Year and 2021 Individual Medalist Vicente Marzilio.
The Mean Green finished second at the 2021 C-USA Championships and also featured All-C-USA Third Team Selection Lenny Bergsson and All-Freshman Team selection Nikhil Gopal.
A native of Miami, Vargas played his college golf at the University of Florida, graduating in 2006 as a three-time All-America selection after leading the Gators to a runner-up finish at the 2006 NCAA Championships.
Vargas was also named an All-SEC Second Team selection and was tabbed a PING All-Southeast Region Team selection. Florida finished inside the top-two of the SEC In three of his four seasons, including a 2003 Southeastern Conference title.
Vargas and his wife Courtney have two daughters Cassidy and Evelyn.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING (HC GREG SANDS):
"In a short amount of time, James has been considered one of the best assistant coaches in our business. We couldn't be more excited about him coming to Texas Tech to be our associate head coach. He blends a unique skill set that will help us move confidently into the future. James will be a huge asset on the recruiting trail, additionally, his successful professional career will give him a unique ability to develop our current players. I can't wait for James and his family to move to Lubbock and for him to get started!"
Vargas, who comes to Texas Tech after spending the last two seasons at Arizona, will serve as the Red Raiders associate head coach.
After the strong 2020-21 season at North Texas, Vargas accepted a role at the University of Arizona, where he helped guide the Wildcats to the NCAA Bryan Regional title and the program's first trip to the NCAA Championships since 2011.
During his two seasons with the Wildcats, Vargas helped mentor multiple all-conference selections including Christian Banke who named to the All-Pac-12 First Team in 2021-22 and Chase Sienkiewicz who named a Second Team All-Pac-12 selection in both of his seasons.
This season, Arizona won its home tournament (the Arizona NIT) for the first time since 2003, as freshman Zach Pollo earned co-medalist honors. Pollo was the first UofA freshman to win a tournament since 2004.
In both of Vargas' seasons with the Wildcats advanced to a regional, highlighted by the aforementioned trip to the NCAA Championships in 2021-22.
After a professional career that included appearances on the Web.Com Tour (now Korn Ferry Tour) and the PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, Vargas made the transition to college coaching, where he coached with former Florida assistant Brad Stracke at North Texas.
Throughout his time with the Mean Green, Vargas helped mentor 2021 C-USA Freshman of the Year and 2021 Individual Medalist Vicente Marzilio.
The Mean Green finished second at the 2021 C-USA Championships and also featured All-C-USA Third Team Selection Lenny Bergsson and All-Freshman Team selection Nikhil Gopal.
A native of Miami, Vargas played his college golf at the University of Florida, graduating in 2006 as a three-time All-America selection after leading the Gators to a runner-up finish at the 2006 NCAA Championships.
Vargas was also named an All-SEC Second Team selection and was tabbed a PING All-Southeast Region Team selection. Florida finished inside the top-two of the SEC In three of his four seasons, including a 2003 Southeastern Conference title.
Vargas and his wife Courtney have two daughters Cassidy and Evelyn.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING (HC GREG SANDS):
"In a short amount of time, James has been considered one of the best assistant coaches in our business. We couldn't be more excited about him coming to Texas Tech to be our associate head coach. He blends a unique skill set that will help us move confidently into the future. James will be a huge asset on the recruiting trail, additionally, his successful professional career will give him a unique ability to develop our current players. I can't wait for James and his family to move to Lubbock and for him to get started!"
Weidemeyer post round interview
Sunday, September 21
NCAA Championship Rd. 3 Highlights
Sunday, May 25
Greg Sands post-round interview (Rd. 3 NCAA Championships)
Sunday, May 25
NCAA Championship Rd. 1 Highlights
Friday, May 23