WINFIELD, Kan. - Jackson Strohl, a former standout on the Moundbuilder men's golf team, has been named head coach of both the men's and women's golf programs at Southwestern College, the athletic department has announced.
Strohl, a 2024 Southwestern graduate and four-year letterwinner, steps into the role after serving as assistant coach during the 2023–24 season. His promotion comes following a decorated playing and coaching career that has made him a pillar of the Builder golf community.
Athletic director Matt O'Brien said, "As a proud Southwestern alum with a deep passion for the game of golf, Jackson is the perfect fit to lead our golf programs. His commitment to serving student-athletes and his understanding of our culture make him an ideal addition to our athletic staff. I'm excited to welcome him home and confident he'll provide an outstanding experience for our golfers both on and off the course."
As assistant coach, Strohl helped guide the 2024 women's team to a Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) Match Play Championship and multiple team titles throughout the season. He was named Southwestern's 2022–23 Male Athlete of Character for his leadership and sportsmanship and was twice a team captain.
Since earning his degree in sports management, Strohl has served as the head golf professional at Quail Ridge Golf Course in Winfield, overseeing day-to-day operations at the city-owned facility. He is currently working toward PGA Class A certification and is a Callaway staff member. Strohl also played an active role in recruiting, served on the Student-Athlete Leadership Team, and volunteered in the local community.
Strohl succeeds Marcus Willey, who guided the Moundbuilder golf programs to several milestones during his tenure. Willey's leadership brought consistent growth and postseason success, particularly on the women's side.
Under Willey's direction, the women's team finished as KCAC Championship runner-up in 2023–24, highlighted by Ashlee Johnson earning First Team All-Conference honors. The 2024–25 season was historic, with the Builders capturing titles at the Moundbuilder Classic, Crestview Spring Invitational, and KCAC Match Play, en route to a third-place finish at the KCAC Championship. Johnson repeated as a First Team selection while Lauren Kelly was named Second Team All-Conference.
The men's team also saw upward momentum, moving from an eighth-place KCAC finish and No. 135 national ranking in 2023–24 to a fifth-place championship finish and No. 95 national rank in 2024–25. The team also claimed victory at the Moundbuilder Classic and finished runner-up at the Early Spring Classic.
At just 23 years old, Strohl becomes one of the youngest head coaches in the KCAC, bringing with him a unique blend of recent playing experience, coaching insight, and a deep connection to the Builder tradition.
