Georgia Southern Coaching Education Newsletter

March 2023 

Message from the Coordinator 

There are so many great things happening in the Georgia Southern Coaching Education program that it is hard to recognize them all! Our alumni won a number of region and state championships this winter, including Sharman White ('95) leading his Pace Academy Boys Basketball team to the state title (his 10th state championship overall). 

Bulloch County Recreation and Parks Department Athletic Program Supervisor Wally Brown ('14) recently wrote that, "Our volunteer coaches are vital to the communityu and create a big impact on Bulloch County as a whole...I've gotten several great reviews from our parents and participants on how well your students execute on and off the field." 

We have admitted a number of students to our next master's cohort, but there is still time to get in the program! Apply today and you could start classes this summer. 

Press on,

Coach Hal Wilson, PhD

Program Testimonial


"One thing I really enjoyed about it was getting to learn about their coaches and their experiences in our field. I feel like a lot can be gained just from listening to what they have to say, what they've done, and how they've handled situations. The discussion boards really helped me progress in my field and I learned a lot through them. I definitely recommend this program to future scholars, I think this program gives you a great opportunity to grow as a coach and as an individual." 

-Blake Cecil ('20M) 

Assistant Football & Baseball Coach

Bainbridge High School (GA)

Alumni Spotlight

We recently had three distinguished alumni speak to our KINS 3431 Psychology of Coaching class in our Coachig Minor: Cory Cottrell ('18M), Head Men's and Women's Golf Coach at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, Ben Freakley ('00, '02M, '13M) and Kevin Whitley ('93), Assistant Head Football Coach at Georgia Southern University. They shared practical advice from their careers in professional and collegiate baseball, football, golf, soccer & more! 

Please submit your alumni/current student coaching news here!

Real World Connections 

Our Coaching Education programs prepare coaches for opportunities at every level of play. In fact, our graduates have coached at the youth, scholastic, collegiate, and professional levels. We are always evaluating our curriculum to make sure we are preparing career ready graduates. Below is one recent example of a real-world coaching opportunity our graduates might pursue:

University of Maryland Assistant Women's Volleyball Coach

"Assisting in all aspects of recruiting, coaching, and mentoring student-athletes, training, assisting in the scheduling of practices and matches; coordinating on and off-campus living arrangements for student-athletes; and other responsibilities as assigned by the head coach. Developing and cultivating relationships with colleagues, alumni, and the general public. Knowledge of and commitment to compliance with all NCAA, Conference, and University rules and regulations as well as dedication to the entire academic development of student-athletes, are essential requirements."

Have you seen our Coaching Job Board?

Faculty Spotlight

Mrs. Sarah Davis ('06, '08M) is a Lecturer of Health & Kinesiology and the Physical Activity and Lifestyle Program Campus Coordinator. Davis received her Master's degree from Armstrong Atlantic State University in Sports Medicine and her Bachelors of Science in Health and Physical Education. She is also certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association as well as the USA Weightlifting Level 1 certification.  Mrs. Davis regularly teaches our KINS 4420 Sports Conditioning Lab course in our Coaching Minor and is a tremendous resource for faculty and students alike!

Did you know that Mrs. Davis was an elite-level weightlifter herself?  

In fact, she was a multiple-time national champion, a World University Team Member, a World Championships Team Member, and twice competed at the Olympic trials!


Inside Look

KINS 4420: Sport Conditioning Lab

This two-credit course in our Coaching Minor. The catalog description states: "Prepares students to undertake responsibilities in the areas of coaching, fitness programming and or related areas."

Mrs. Sarah Davis (featured above) described the course this way:

"(Sport Conditioning Lab) focuses on developing training programs for athletes using current information and protocols from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. The course presents considerations and challenges for sport specific training while practicing proper lifting technique throughout the semester. The course culminates with creating an 8-week training program for a chosen sport."

Campus Engagement

We appreciate how well academics and athletics work together at Georgia Southern! As a recent example, two Georgia Southern Head Coaches recently spoke to our students: Head Football Coach Clay Helton and Head Volleyball Coach Chad Willis. Their willingness to make time to invest in the next generation of coaches is why we say #GreatCoachesGiveBack!

Did you miss a previous issue? Click here for all of our newsletters since August 2022. 

Co-Editors: Mikayla Ellison & Charles "Hal" Wilson, Jr.