OTTAWA, Kan. – Ottawa University Director of Athletics, Janet Eaton-Smith, is pleased to announce the hiring of Jeff Tadtman as the new men’s and women’s head golf coach.
“I am thrilled to have Coach Tadtum as part of the Braves Nation,” said Eaton-Smith. “His knowledge and passion for the sport of golf will help rebuild the team’s enthusiasm as we look towards the future. Jeff’s connections in the golf world will ensure OUKS is performing at its peak, and we look forward to making an immediate impact in the KCAC. He is committed to the spirit of excellence through working collaboratively for the bigger picture and I could not be happier than I am today having him on our team!”
Before coming to Ottawa University, Tadtman was the head men’s and women’s golf coach at Fort Scott Community College (2018-2024). His 2023-24 men’s team had a regional ranking of sixth and a national ranking of 30th and his 2023-24 women’s team had a regional ranking of third and a national ranking of 33rd. The FSCC women’s golf team had four top-three finishes in 2023-24. The 2022-23 FSCC men’s golf team earned the 2023 Mark Laesch Award for NJCAA DI. This award was for the greatest improvement in adjusted stroke average.
“I would like to thank the administration and specifically the Director of Athletics, Janet Eaton-Smith for this unbelievable opportunity,” said Tadtman. “I couldn’t be more excited to become part of the Brave family. I look forward to bringing in the best student-athletes that will represent the university and the city. I look forward to serving the mission at Ottawa and building a championship program.”
He served as the Chief Development Officer (2019-2021) for the Fort Scott Community College Foundation Association at FSCC. Tadtman created strategies and objectives to manage the endowment that gave out over $140,000 in scholarships. He was also the head women’s basketball coach (2016-2019) at FSCC.
Before his time at FSCC, Tadtman was a head women’s basketball coach at Carl Albert State College (2003-2016), Iowa Western Community College (2000-2003), Kansas City University (1996-2000), Independence Community College (1993-1996), and Cowley College (1991-1993). He was also the head women’s tennis coach at Cowley College.
Tadtman was named to the Independence Community College Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Iowa Western Community College Hall of Fame in 2011. He has been named Coach of the Year by many organizations:
- College Sports Magazine (1995-96)
- Kansas Basketball Coaches Association (1993-94, 1994-95, 1995-96, 1996-97)
- National District D (1993-94, 1994-95, 1995-96, 1996-1997)
- Kansas Region VI (1993-94, 1994-95, 1995-96, 1996-1997)
- Jayhawks East Conference (1993-94, 1994-95, 1995-1996)
Tadtman graduated from Southwestern College in 1992 with a degree in physical education and recreation.