-- Story provided by Alma College Athletics --
ALMA, Mich. — JT Cleveland has been named the new head coach of the Alma College men's and women's golf programs, as announced by Director of Athletics Sarah Dehring on Tuesday, Jan. 25.
"We are incredibly pleased to welcome JT Cleveland as our next head men's and women's golf coach," said Dehring. "Coach Cleveland's passion for Alma College, his recruitment and retention strategies, and his vision for the golf program set him apart."
Cleveland graduated from Alma College in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in history, sociology and secondary education. While at Alma, he played on the varsity basketball team, and served as captain during the 1995-96 season. Cleveland was named as an honorable mention for the All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association team that season, as well.
Immediately after graduating from Alma, Cleveland went on to serve as a teacher in the Alma Public Schools district, where he taught world history, contemporary global issues, sociology and leadership. Cleveland intends to retire from the position later this year, after 26 years of service. In addition to his service as a teacher, Cleveland has had a long and successful career as the varsity basketball head coach and varsity golf coach for Alma High School.
In his 20 years of coaching basketball at Alma High School, Cleveland remains the winningest coach in Alma High School history. He won six conference championships and six district championships. Cleveland was named the Mid-Michigan Conference Coach of the Year in 2004, Tri-Valley Coach of the Year in 2007, and Saginaw News Coach of the Year in 2007.
As the varsity golf head coach at Alma High School, Cleveland coached 51 all-conference golfers, added six overall conference medalists, and six more conference championships in his 18 years. Cleveland was named the district, regional, and state of Michigan Coach of the Year in 2013.
Cleveland has also served as head coach of the Mid Michigan College women's basketball team for one season and an assistant coach for the Alma College men's basketball team for one season.
Cleveland inherits programs that both placed sixth in MIAA conference play last season. The Scots will return their whole women's roster, including senior Morgan Yates, in the fall for her final year. Yates was named to the 2021 Women's Golf All-MIAA First Team and finished 480 on the season to tie for fifth place individually in the conference last year.
The men's team will return seven athletes in fall 2022, including junior Robby Wesley, who led the Scots individually last fall with a total score of 406 and an average of 81.20.
