Golf Coach Damon Stancil named NAIA Coach of Character

Brenau head coach Damon Stancil during the Berry Invitational on Tuesday
Brenau head coach Damon Stancil talks with Brenau's Amber Clayton, a senior from Lawrenceville, Ga. and Brenau's Annika Blanton, a sophomore from Hoschton, Ga. during the Berry Invitational on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2018 in Rome, Ga. (AJ Reynolds/Brenau University)
Brenau head coach Damon Stancil talks with Brenau’s Amber Clayton, a senior from Lawrenceville, Ga. and Brenau’s Annika Blanton, a sophomore from Hoschton, Ga. during the Berry Invitational on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2018 in Rome, Ga. (AJ Reynolds/Brenau University)

Brenau University Golf Coach Damon Stancil was this month named the 2018-2019 NAIA Coach of Character for the Appalachian Athletic Conference.

“This award speaks to the character and values that Damon exemplifies and the quality of coaching he brings to our golf program,” said Brenau Athletic Director Mike Lochstampfor. “He is highly deserving of this honor and it’s great to see that others within the conference recognize him for the positive behavior he consistently models.”

Stancil, who was hired in February 2013 to start the golf program at Brenau, has steadily developed the Golden Tigers into a top-50 NAIA program.

Since its inaugural season, the Brenau Golf program has garnered 11 All-Tournament, six  All-Academic, four All-Conference, two NAIA All-Scholar, one SSAC All-Freshman, and two All-Conference Golfers of the Week awards, along with an SSAC Champions of Character team award.

Most recently, the Brenau golf team placed third at the AAC Fall Championships at the Elizabethton (Tennessee) Golf Course on Oct. 9.

“I felt like there was surely someone else that was more deserving, but it is really flattering to know that other coaches and your players think that highly of you, that they recognize as a coach what I’m trying to do,” Stancil said of the award. “We’re trying to play well of course, but I want my players to understand what it means to set goals, support each other, and hold each other accountable — all the things that make us who we are as we get older.”

Brenau head coach Damon Stancil and Brenau's Macie Hurst walking and talking
Brenau head coach Damon Stancil gives some instruction to Brenau’s Macie Hurst, a sophomore from Flowery Branch, Ga. during the Berry Invitational on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2018 in Rome, Ga. (AJ Reynolds/Brenau University)

Stancil, a Class A PGA Professional, brings over 10 years of experience as a golf professional and instructor, as well as collegiate playing experience. Stancil was a member of the 1998 NAIA National Championship team at Berry College, where he played golf from 1997-1999.

Stancil has a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from the University of North Georgia and a bachelor’s degree in sports and fitness management from Berry. Before coming to Brenau, Stancil served as a graduate assistant coach at the University of North Georgia.

NAIA Vice President of Business and Product Development Leigh Schenck said in her letter to Stancil, “The NAIA is proud to have you as one of our finest representatives. Your accomplishments and character in competition and in the community speak for themselves. Furthermore, to read your positive examples you set is refreshing and exciting. I commend you on your efforts in every aspect of your life.”

Stancil, his wife Patty, sons Jackson and Emmett, and daughter Roxanne live in Gainesville, Georgia. For more information about Stancil and the Golden Tigers golf team, go to brenautigers.com.