The finalists for the 2026 Jan Strickland Outstanding Assistant Coach Award presented by TaylorMade Golf Company have been announced, recognizing assistant coaches for their impact on student athletes on and off the course.

Two winners will be selected, one from Division I and one from non Division I programs.

Division I Finalists

Dustin Groves (Virginia), Noah Goldman (North Carolina), Jace Long (LSU), Gustavo Morantes (Arkansas), and James Vargas (Texas Tech) headline the Division I list.

Groves has helped lead Virginia to five wins and eight top two finishes this season. Goldman earns his fourth finalist selection in six years, guiding North Carolina to multiple victories. Long has LSU consistently finishing inside the top four, while Morantes has Arkansas with three wins and strong finishes across the season. Vargas has Texas Tech highlighted by a win at the Valspar Collegiate Invitational and multiple top five results.

Non Division I Finalists

Arrianna Custodio (Cal State East Bay), Troy Nielsen (Cal State San Bernardino), and David Rosenbaum (Meridian) were named finalists.

Custodio has helped produce consistent top finishes and conference honors. Nielsen has guided Cal State San Bernardino to a rise in the national rankings with multiple strong results. Rosenbaum has led Meridian to three wins and continued success with All America and All Region recognition.

The award has been presented annually since 2003, with TaylorMade Golf Company serving as the title sponsor.

Source: GCAA