Head Coach JT Cleveland is in his third year as the Alma College Golf Coach. He is an alumnus, graduating from Alma College in 1996. During his time at Alma, he was a Captain on the Basketball Team and graduated with a Double Major in History and Sociology.
After Alma College, JT became a High School History Teacher and Coach. For the past 20 years he has coached Varsity Golf and Basketball. In both programs, he committed to developing student athletes who excelled on and off the field of play. By creating practices that emphasized competition, skill development, and a growth-mindset his players and teams were able to reach their full potential.
In Golf, JT was the District, Regional, and State of Michigan Coach of the year in 2013. He coached 51 all-conference players, including 6 overall conference medalists. His team won their conference 6 times and was a Regional Qualifier 9 times. Their best finish was 3rd place at the State Finals in 2013. “We played our best two rounds of the year at Bedford Valley. We left it all out there and the boys should be proud” stated Coach Cleveland.
Obtaining the position of Head Golf Coach at Alma College was the dream job he never knew possible. After multiple colleagues urged him to apply, he went for it and returned to his beloved Scots! “I want to thank Sarah Dehring and Alma College for giving me this incredible opportunity.”
Coach Cleveland has been tirelessly working to build both programs! He hired Coach Jennifer Kowalczyk, who played for the Scots from 2016-2020. “Jennifer brings energy, knowledge, and tremendous organization to our teams” JT said.
In his first season, the Alma College Women’s Team had one of the best seasons in program history, setting three records. Morgan Yates (Shepherd High School Graduate) set the individual single day record with a 4 under 68 at the Legacy Golf Club in Ottawa Hills. Morgan also set the record at our home course Pine River CC with a 73. At home that day the team set the lowest ever team score of 323. By far the most fun was at the Fall Final. They trailed by 14 strokes to qualify in the top four to compete in the spring automatic qualifier. At Bedford Valley, they made up 6 strokes on the first day to pass Trine and 11 on the second to pass Calvin and qualify. On the Men’s side, they shot the lowest team score in five years at Tecumseh Golf Club with a 309. Both teams have the majority of their rosters back and are looking for strong 2023-24 campaigns.
With the support of Sarah Dehring, Alma College administration, and generous donors we were able to build an indoor golf room. In the room attached to the east side of the Stone Rec Center, we now have a state-of-the-art facility. It has two Foresight Simulators, a putting green throughout that runs 11 on the stimpmeter, key card entry for all players to have unlimited access, and lockers for each to leave their clubs. “We now have a chance for our student-athletes to develop their games year-round. This gives each the chance to maximize their potential and our teams the opportunity to become championship caliber” Coach said.
During this off-season, Coach Cleveland ran a six-week Mental Toughness and Leadership Training program for the team. “By understanding the philosophy and concepts needed for mental toughness and building a mental skills toolbox, we will give our players the chance to become the strongest mentally possible. This will undoubtedly help their golf games, but more importantly create resilience that will help throughout their lives” Coach stated.
Also during the off-season, Coach Cleveland worked with Strength Coaches Fletcher Roberts and Jared Groeneveld to create a strength and speed training program. “By working on strength, explosiveness, and flexibility, we can help each golfer improve their swing speed. This will add distance, prevent injuries, and produce lower scores.”
To prepare for the spring season, the Golf Team is heading to Orlando, FL and staying at Champion’s Gate. This incredible venue has two tremendous golf courses and impressive practice facilities. There is also a pool and hot tub connected to our condo, and a lazy river and multiple pools throughout the complex. “We will work hard to prepare for the spring season, but also have fun and build comradery. Being a part of the Alma College Golf Team is about striving for our best, but also building relationships that will last a lifetime.”
Lastly, we are working to expand the amount, quality, and distance of our golf tournaments to enhance the competition level and experiences of our student athletes. We are pushing each athlete and this program to an elite level.
