Former George Jenkins, Lakeland Christian girls' golf coach now the SEU head coach

A familiar Polk County coach is now an official college coach ― without the interim tag.

Former two-decade George Jenkins and Lakeland Christian girls' golf coach, David Joyner, went from an interim to being promoted as the Southeastern head coach of both the men's and women's golf teams, announced by Southeastern Director of Athletics Drew Watson last week. Joyner for six years was the Fire's assistant before accepting the interim role.

Last season, Joyner led both squads back to the NAIA National Championship, which helped the men culminate a program-best 11th, and the women to an eighth-place finish. And, both teams were ranked in the top five of the NAIA coaches' poll.

"I am extremely grateful for this opportunity," Joyner said. "SEU is a special place and I am looking forward to growing and developing our student-athletes. I want to thank Director of Athletics Drew Watson and the administration at SEU for believing in me. I am really looking forward to the future of SEU golf."

For the men's team, it was seven top three finishes last year, tying the program record for a season scoring average of 295.31, while racking up a program-record best eight rounds at par or better. Additionally, the men's team also established a new record for bridies in a season with 451. Matthew Soucinek became the first SEU golfer in 10 years to come up victorious in The Sun Conference championship, picking up this third NAIA All-America honor.

"David has done an excellent job, not only in coaching golf, but investing in his student-athletes by building a culture of trust, accountability, and effective communication in both the men's and women's golf programs," Watson said. "I'm excited he's on board and look forward to seeing what these programs can accomplish as we move forward."

For the women, Southeastern won four tournaments, posting a 308 average as a team thanks to All-Americans Marlie Smit and Hallie Riley.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Former GJ, LSC girls' golf coach now the official SEU head coach