Midland College’s Walt Williams Named 2025 Dave Williams National Coach of the YearJune 03, 2025

Midland College Golf Coach Walt Williams has been named the 2025 Dave Williams National Coach of the Year presented by Golf Pride Grips for NJCAA Division I, marking yet another milestone in his distinguished coaching career.

The Dave Williams National Coach of the Year Award, presented annually by the Golf Coaches Association of America, recognizes the top coaches across all collegiate levels for their team’s performance, improvement, and contributions to the sport.

Under Williams’ leadership during the 2024–2025 season, the Midland College Chaparrals were ranked No. 1 in the nation by Scoreboard powered by Clippd since at least October 16 and consistently demonstrated excellence on the course. The team captured five tournament victories, including:

• The program’s fifth national championship
• The NJCAA Region 5 Championship
• The TankLogix & Tall City Exploration Collegiate

In his eighth season at the helm, Williams guided the Chaps to six runner-up finishes and three other top-three team placements. The team tested its mettle against NCAA competition by competing in three tournaments hosted by NCAA Division I and Division II programs.

“This recognition wouldn’t have happened without the people around me — the student-athletes who put in the work, and my wife, Carol and our family, whose support has meant everything throughout my coaching career,” said Coach Williams. “I’m thankful to Midland College for allowing me to do what I love in a place that truly feels like home.”

A three-time National Coach of the Year recipient in 2019, 2020, and 2022, Williams further solidified his legacy earlier this year with his induction into the NJCAA Men’s Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame. 

"Coach Williams is a wonderful example of what it means to lead,” said MC President, Dr. Damon Kennedy. “He’s focused on the individual student-athlete, team-oriented, and disciplined as a coach. That’s how he’s built a program that performs at such a high level – he does it the right way. Midland College is grateful for his contributions to our college and the golfing community in Midland.”

For more information about Midland College Athletics, visit www.gochaps.com.