The Golf Coaches Association of America announced the five finalists for the 2026 NCAA Division II Dave Williams Coach of the Year Award presented by Golf Pride Grips.

The finalists are Darcy Donaldson of Georgia Southwestern, Steve Fell of West Florida, JD Lamm of Wingate, Gareth Lappin of Grand Valley State, and Brian Richey of Florida Southern.

Donaldson guided Georgia Southwestern to three victories and a Peach Belt Conference Championship this season, while Fell led West Florida to six wins and the program’s 22nd Gulf South Conference title.

Wingate’s JD Lamm helped the Bulldogs capture the South Atlantic Conference Championship after posting five tournament victories. Grand Valley State’s Gareth Lappin led the Lakers to seven wins, including the NCAA Central Midwest Regional title and a GLIAC Championship.

Richey rounds out the finalist list after leading Florida Southern to five victories and a Sunshine State Conference Championship during his first full season as head coach.

Fell is seeking his fourth Dave Williams Award, while Donaldson previously won the honor in 2020. Lamm, Lappin, and Richey are all first time finalists.

All five finalists are coaching this week at the NCAA Division II Men’s Championship at Boulder Creek Golf Club in Boulder City, Nevada.
Sources:
GCAA Release