The Golf Coaches Association of America announced the recipients of the 2026 Dave Williams National Coach of the Year Award presented by Golf Pride Grips, recognizing coaches across six collegiate divisions for their accomplishments during the 2025-26 season.
According to the GCAA, the national award winners are:
- NCAA Division I: Bowen Sargent, Virginia
- NCAA Division II: Brian Richey, Florida Southern
- NCAA Division III: Keenan Hickton, Sewanee
- NAIA: Blake Trimble, Oklahoma City
- NJCAA Division I: Vince Clark, McLennan
- NJCAA Division II: Lukas Coppedge, Murray State (OK)
The coaches will be honored during the GCAA Hall of Fame and Awards Banquet at the GCAA National Convention in Las Vegas this December.
Sargent Leads Virginia to Historic Season
Bowen Sargent became the first Virginia coach to receive the national honor after guiding the Cavaliers to a program record seven tournament victories and three runner up finishes. Virginia captured its first NCAA Regional title at the Winston Salem Regional, secured a second consecutive ACC Championship, and advanced to the NCAA Championship for a fourth straight season.
The Cavaliers also spent several months ranked No. 1 nationally and were led by four PING All East Region selections, including four time First Team All American Ben James.
Richey Guides Florida Southern to National Title
Brian Richey earned the Division II award after leading Florida Southern to six tournament victories, including the NCAA Division II Men’s Golf Championship and a second consecutive Sunshine State Conference title.
The Moccasins recorded 12 top five finishes in 13 events and were led by Division II Jack Nicklaus Award winner Max Barile.
Hickton Continues Sewanee’s Rise
In just his second season as head coach, Keenan Hickton guided Sewanee to eight top five finishes, two victories, and a fourth place finish at the NCAA Division III Championship, the highest national finish in program history.
The Tigers also claimed a second straight Southern Athletic Association Championship.
Trimble Closes Oklahoma City’s Final Season with National Championship
Blake Trimble led Oklahoma City to seven victories and 11 top five finishes, highlighted by the program’s 12th NAIA Men’s Golf Championship and a Sooner Athletic Conference title.
The Stars won six of their final nine tournaments and were led by NAIA individual champion Christian Yanovitch along with First Team All American Carter Ray.
Clark Adds Another National Honor at McLennan
Vince Clark earned his second career Dave Williams Award after leading McLennan to six victories and the program’s fifth NJCAA Division I national championship.
The Highlanders finished inside the top four in all 10 tournaments and were paced by individual national champion Abe Bignell.
Coppedge Leads Murray State to First National Championship
Lukas Coppedge became the first coach from Murray State (OK) to receive the award after guiding the Aggies to six victories, including their first NJCAA Division II Men’s Golf Championship.
Murray State won its final four tournaments of the season and finished with eight top five results overall.
Region and District Coaches of the Year
The GCAA also announced its 2026 Golf Pride Grips Region and District Coaches of the Year across NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, NAIA, and NJCAA competition.
NCAA Division I Region Coaches of the Year
- Northeast: Rob Shutte, Rutgers
- East: Bowen Sargent, Virginia
- Southeast: Nick Clinard, Auburn
- Midwest: Ryan Blagg, Louisville
- Central: Brad McMakin, Arkansas
- West: Jim Anderson, Arizona
NCAA Division II Region Coaches of the Year
- Atlantic: Scott Stano, Gannon
- East: David Mattana, Adelphi
- Midwest: Troy Halterman, UMSL
- Central: Jeff Straight, Winona State
- South: Brian Richey, Florida Southern
- Southeast: J.D. Lamm, Wingate
- South Central: Axel Ochoa, West Texas A&M
- West: Luke Bennett, Western Washington
NCAA Division III Region Coaches of the Year
- Region I: Jeff Page, Babson
- Region II: Dan Wesley, Rochester
- Region III: Lucas Artigliere, Drew
- Region IV: Dave Schreyer, Huntingdon
- Region V: Grant Wallace, Kenyon
- Region VI: Justin Wyeth, Aurora
- Region VII: Mitchell Fedorka, Claremont Mudd Scripps
NAIA Region Coaches of the Year
- Midwest: Chris Butler, Lindsey Wilson
- Central: Dustin Galyon, Friends
- South: Ben Rickett, Dalton State
- West: Blake Trimble, Oklahoma City
NJCAA Division I District Coaches of the Year
- Southeast: Daniel Allen, Central Alabama
- Central: Michael Wetrich, Indian Hills
- South: Vince Clark, McLennan
- West: Conrado Cabezas, Eastern Arizona
NJCAA Division II Region Coaches of the Year
- South: Lance Strickland, Meridian
- Central: Lukas Coppedge, Murray State (OK)
- North: Darrin York, Heartland
Source: GCAA Dave Williams National Coach of the Year Awards