SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (August 15, 2023) – Western New England Athletics is thrilled to announce the hiring of Jim Abbott as the next Head Coach of the WNE Men's Golf program.
"I am pleased to announce the hiring of Jim Abbott as the next Head Coach of the Golden Bears golf program," said Director of Athletics and Recreation Dino L. Pollock, Esq. "Coach Abbott comes to Western New England after competing in the PGA Senior Pro tour, most recently competing in the Connecticut Senior Open, finishing tied for 13th place. Abbott finished the round with nine birdies and one eagle, the most par breakers on the tour. Also, no stranger to WNE, Coach Abbott's son John was a standout golfer for the Golden Bears from 2014-18 where he earned honors such as CCC Golfer of the Year and Senior Scholar Athlete and was a GCAA All America Scholar in 2018. I am confident Coach Abbott will prioritize player development, competitive success, and academic excellence in raising the Golden Bear golf program to new heights."
Abbott begins his tenure with the blue and gold after serving in various capacities as head coach at the high school level. Most recently, Abbott served as the head boy's basketball and boy's golf coach at South Windsor High School. Abbott also coached at Northwest High School, located in West Hartford, Connecticut where he led the team to multiple conference and state championships.
Abbott is also familiar to the professional side of golf as he has competed in the Connecticut PGA Senior Tour where he recently finished 13th overall and 3rd low amateur in the PGA Senior Open. Abbott holds a 1.3 USGA Handicap.
"I am very excited to be named the Men's Head Golf Coach at WNEU," said Abbott. "It is a great opportunity to lead and inspire a team of talented student athletes. I am looking forward to building connections with my players and to watch them evolve into resilient individuals equipped to conquer any challenge on or off the golf course. WNEU is an amazing institution, and it is an honor to be part of the athletics program."
Abbott graduated from Bryant University in 1986 with a degree in Business Administration while also receiving a Master of Arts Degree in Teaching from Quinnipiac University in 1992. Abbott will begin his tenure on August 15.
