Although this is Mendell’s first time earning this award, his accomplishments began when he started coaching golf for Ascension in the 2017-2018 school year. That year, Ascension’s golf team won its first state championship and has secured the state champion title three times since he began coaching for Ascension.

With 9 student golfers in his first year to 14 golfers last year, John Mendell reflects on what it has meant to coach players in a game he loves. “When I first volunteered for this position, I never imagined how rewarding the position would be. Watching the progress, the growth, and the feedback from coaching these young men has been one of the most fulfilling things I have done in my professional life. This game is tough, and it does not always reward hard work.  I have a ton of experience competing in this arena, and helping the players work through the rollercoaster of emotions that happens in a golfer’s career has been an incredible way for me to give back to a game that has taught me so much over the course of my competitive career,” says Mendell. 

 

When looking ahead to the next season, Mendell speaks of a bright future for Ascension golf. “Our team has a lot of momentum for the future. This year, we have a group of seniors that have played a major role in the foundation of the success the program has experienced over the last five years. Along with the seniors, we have several underclassmen that are some of the top players in the state for their graduation year. The future of Blue Gator golf is in good hands,” he says. 

 

And we couldn’t agree more.  Thank you, John Mendell, for your dedication, time, and talent in helping our students grow in their golf games and as blue gators. 

 

Congratulations!