Van Williams was named head coach in early January

On Jan. 5, Van Williams was named head coach of the Wofford Men’s Golf Team. The North Carolina native was assistant coach at North Carolina State University the past three years and brings plenty of experience and excitement to the program.

Williams began his career as assistant head coach at the University of Oregon, where he helped lead the Ducks to three NCAA Championship appearances in each of his three years with the team, including a team national championship title in 2016 and eight total individual championship titles. 

Williams then took his leadership to North Carolina State, helping the Wolfpack finish in the top-25 in two of three years. 

“As soon as I stepped on campus, I knew that Wofford was a special place,” Williams said. “Coach Johnson and Coach Line were a huge part of why we chose Wofford.  Their philosophy and purpose aligned perfectly with mine.  It was evident that campus had a family feel to it.  Facilities were great.  City of Spartanburg is a great place to raise a family.”

Williams also spoke about his experience getting to know the current players.
“It has been a great first month with the team,” he said.  ”They are a hardworking, competitive group that don’t give up.  Great things are ahead for Wofford Golf.”

Mathew Larkin ’23, a sophomore on the team, spoke of his excitement for the team’s new leader, adding, “Coach Williams has been great so far. Our team has really enjoyed getting to know him and his family, and he seems like a great fit for the program and our future.”

Along with Larkin, Henry Augenstein ’21 is also optimistic about the hire. 

“He’s been awesome so far and has made the transition easy,” Augenstein said. “He’s been very open with us about his coaching style, what he expects from us, and what we can expect from him. He’s brought a lot of positivity that I can already tell is spreading to the team and I’m excited to see where he takes the program.”

The Terriers’ spring golf season is already underway.