Men's Golf | 6/28/2010 12:39:09 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Thomas R. and Elizabeth E. McLean Foundation is pleased to announce the 2009-10 Methodist University Coach of the Year is men's golf Head Coach Steve Conley.

"The McLean Foundation "Coach of the Year" Award is in its second year as Francie Barragan was the inaugural award winner for 2008-09. The award recognizes the top head coach in the MU athletic department.

"Coach Conley had one of the most award winning and successful years of any coach in the country in 2009-10," Director of Athletics Bob McEvoy said. "He truly was a shining star among many coaching stars on our staff.  He is most deserving of this prestigious award, his commitment to excellence is most evident and was shown everyday and in every way by his student-athletes."

During the 2009-10 season, Conley has already been named the national Division III Coach of the Year by the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) and the USA South Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. Conley led the team to his 20th conference title and 10th national title in 23 seasons at the helm of the Monarchs.

The men's golf team finished up this year with a 2.79 cumulative grade point average and participated in a number of community service projects in conjunction with the Student Athlete Advisory Committee including reading to elementary school students, project play day and Cans Across the Conference.

Conley was selected based on criteria set forth by the McLean Foundation and voted on by a committee of Methodist University faculty and staff.

"I am really happy to be selected as Coach of the Year" Conley said. "We have so many great coaches at MU so it is quite an honor. I would also like to thank the McLean Foundation for their recognition and the award."

Three additional Methodist coaches were nominated for the Coach of the Year award including Melissa Hay (Cheer), Dee Dee Jarman (Women's Basketball) and Duane Ross (Track and Field).

Conley will receive his award and accompanying stipend at the Methodist University Fall Convocation on September 13 at 11 am in Reeves Auditorium.