Hickton named NCAA DIII Dave Williams National Coach of Year

SEWANEE, Tenn. – Sewanee men's golf coach Keenan Hickton earned the 2026 NCAA Division III Dave Williams National Coach of the Year award, as announced Tuesday by the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) and presented by Golf Pride Grips.

The Dave Williams Award honors the national coach of the year in NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III, NAIA, NJCAA Division I, and NJCAA Division II men's golf.

"I am deeply honored by the recognition and support of my fellow coaches and peers," said Hickton. "Assistant Coach Dave Owens and I are extremely proud of our team and grateful to work with such exceptional players. This award represents the strength of our entire program. It is especially meaningful to be connected to the mentors, competitors, and friends who have shaped this award's legacy. I am also thankful to Sewanee, and to our administration, alumni, and supporters, for making it possible for our program to compete at the highest level. YSR!"

Hickton guided the Tigers to a fourth-place finish at the NCAA Division III national championships and eight Top 5 finishes this academic year, including in all seven of the team's spring tournaments, posting two victories. Sewanee finished fourth at the NCAA Division III Men's Golf Championships on May 15, marking the highest finish at any national championship in program history. The Tigers ranked third via Scoreboard Powered by Clippd to end the season. Sewanee won its second consecutive Southern Athletic Association (SAA) championship, taking the victory by 13 strokes in April, as well as the season-opening Gate City City Invitational by one shot in September.

The Tigers roster includes PING All-Region IV performers, including seniors Elias Becker and Colin Edwards, sophomore Turner Chiles and freshman Aidan Tudor. Hickton was named the SAA Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season.

The Dave Williams Award honor marks the first in program history for Sewanee.

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Players Mentioned

Elias Becker: 5' 9"; Senior

Turner Chiles: 6' 2"; Sophomore

Colin Edwards: 6' 1"; Senior

Aidan Tudor: 6' 1"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

Elias Becker
: 5' 9"; Senior

Turner Chiles
: 6' 2"; Sophomore

Colin Edwards
: 6' 1"; Senior

Aidan Tudor
: 6' 1"; Freshman