Sweet Briar announces hire of cross-country and golf coaches

Megan Behrle


Sweet Briar College director of athletics Teresa Boylan announced today the appointment of coaches for cross-country and golf. As both programs prepare to begin their inaugural seasons this fall, Megan Behrle has been chosen to lead the cross-country program, while Blaise Whittle will begin work as the head of Vixen golf.

Behrle currently serves as the interim lacrosse head coach. Along with her new coaching duties, Behrle will be serving as a strength and conditioning coach and continuing as the interim lacrosse coach.

A 2009 graduate of Sweet Briar, Behrle helped to coach a running club in Washington, D.C., before coming back to Sweet Briar last fall. Never one to rest, she has complete nine full marathons, two half Iron Mans, countless half-marathons, and a handful of other triathlons.

“We are excited to present one of our own alumnae [as] head coach of our new cross-country program,” Boylan said. “Behrle will also be working with our student body as a faculty member teaching fitness activity classes. She also brings a passion for leadership education and a desire to be involved with our Friends of Athletics [and] alumnae and development here at Sweet Briar College. Megan’s energy and enthusiasm are contagious and we are so fortunate to be able to have her with Vixen athletics!”


Blaise Whittle


Whittle has been working for Sweet Briar as the athletic facilities director since 2005 and will continue in that capacity while coaching the Vixen golf team. Whittle came to Sweet Briar after 25 years of work at Wintergreen Resort. During that time, she taught golf classes and worked with the grounds crew there to ensure the great condition of the resort’s golf course.

“I am delighted to be named the head golf coach and am looking forward to building this program,” Whittle said. “My passion is helping others learn the game and for it to be competitive and enjoyable. A big thank you to Sweet Briar for giving me the opportunity to spread my wings and get this off the ground.”

Having played the game her entire life, Whittle has traveled to Puerto Rico and the Bahamas to participate in multiple pro-ams. She’s also played in tournaments all across the state of Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic region.

“I am pleased to announce that Ms. Blaise Whittle has accepted the position of head golf coach for our inaugural year of varsity golf,” Boylan said. “I feel this is a very good fit for our golf program and our department because of Blaise’s knowledge of Vixen athletics. Her background as a local golfer, her familiarity with our home course of Poplar Grove Golf Course and their personnel, and her experience as an instructor of various activities at Wintergreen Resort and here at Sweet Briar College make her the right fit for this position.”

Both coaches will begin work with their programs immediately.