STATESBORO – Georgia Southern men's golf coach
Carter Collins has named
Crawford Simmons an assistant coach.
Simmons wrapped up a four-year playing career for the Eagles in 2019 and served as a co-captain of the squad in his final two seasons. The 2018-19 Eagles won the Schenkel Invitational, their home tournament, for the second time, took fourth in the NCAA Stanford Regional and advanced to the NCAA Championship Finals for the first time since 2010.
"The team and I are extremely excited to have Crawford back in the program," said Collins. "It's an honor when alumni choose to come back, and having Crawford in our program is a great addition. Our overall goal is always 'Rings, Diplomas & Leaders,' and Crawford will be a tremendous asset to our student-athletes to reach all three. He has been a big part of team success on and off the course during his four years as a student-athlete, and I can't wait to see the positive impact he is going to make in his new role!"
A Statesboro native, Simmons was drafted out of high school by the Kansas City Royals in the 14th round of the 2009 MLB Draft and pitched in the Royals' organization for five seasons. He was named Pitcher of the Year for the Burlington Royals in 2010 after posting a 6-2 record with a 2.77 ERA.
After his baseball career came to a close, Simmons enrolled at Georgia Southern and walked on to the golf team. The 2015 Forest Heights Club Champion played in 16 career tournaments for the Eagles, and his best finish was a tie for 20th at the 2018 GS Individual Collegiate. Simmons was named to the Sun Belt Commissioner's List all years of his career.
"I'm extremely grateful to Coach Collins and Georgia Southern for the opportunity to continue my journey with this special program," said Simmons. "The last four years as a player have been incredible, and I'm thankful for each coach that has been a mentor to me. These relationships have not only made an impact on me as a player but even more so as a person. My hope for this team is to be able to make a positive impact on these student-athletes both on and off the course!"
Simmons graduated magna cum laude in May with a 3.85 cumulative grade point average, earning his bachelor's degree in sport management with a minor in business.
The Eagles return 10 lettermen, including four of the five players who were in the lineup for the Sun Belt Championship and throughout the NCAA Championships, to the 2019-20 roster.
