Salisbury University’s men’s and women’s golf team will have its first season in 2024. The teams mark the 22nd and 23rd varsity sports teams on campus. This addition is the first since women’s soccer in 1994.
Dalton Deardorff was announced at the end of October as the men’s and women’s golf team's head coach, beginning tenure November 1st.
Salisbury University Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation Monica Polizzi said that "Coach Deardorff has all the characteristics we are looking for in a leader to grow our golf programs, and we're thrilled to have him join the Sea Gull family.”
Deardorff has over 25 years of experience in the sport. "I've always played golf," said Deardorff.
Deardorff played for Marymount University's first ever golf recruiting class, serving 3 years as captain and leading the team to win back-to-back conference championships in their first few years of competition.
His success on Marymount's team makes one thing certain, the golfer knows how to kickstart a program.
He also offers private lessons in Bishopville, Maryland and has a golf podcast called “Wonderful Walks in Golf,” which was featured in an issue of Golf Association of Philadelphia Magazine. He also regularly competes in golf tournaments and is a member of the local Glen Riddle course in Berlin, Maryland.
Deardorff has high expectations for the first year of the program. "There is so much interest already," said the coach. There has been a ton of outreach from current students, to which Deardorff said he advises "anyone on campus to reach out, start practicing now."
Recruitment is a "ticking clock," said Deardorff. He hopes to recruit talent that will be "all in" and "obsessed with golf."
The men's and women's teams are still searching for recruits for their Fall 2024 start.
By HAILEY DEARES
Sports Editor
Featured image courtesy of Suseagulls.com