DEMOREST, Ga. - Colgate University announced the hiring of Piedmont Director of Golf/Head Men's Golf Coach JP Kircher as its Head Coach on Monday afternoon.

"Coach Kircher has worked diligently to grow and shape the program at Piedmont into one recognized nationally," said Colgate Director of Athletics Yariv Amir. "His experience as a coach and player, and his leadership roles throughout the game will serve him well as our next head coach. His teams at Piedmont have excelled and grown stronger at the national level and he joins Colgate at a time when our team is reaching new heights competitively. We are excited to have him back in New York State as the next leader of our program."

"I can never thank Coach Jim Peeples, Coach Jamie Purdy, and Coach Timmy McCormack enough for going out on a limb and hiring me in 2016 to coach golf at Piedmont," said Kircher. "My time here in Northeast Georgia has been nothing short of incredible.  I have made lifelong friends within the athletic department and made connections with my team that I never anticipated."

In six seasons leading the Lions, Kircher saw the program ascend to the top of the Division III landscape, culminating in a runner-up finish at the 2023 NCAA Division III Championship. 

"I am excited for JP and his future family with his new opportunity at Colgate," Piedmont Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Jim Peeples said. "He has done a tremendous job building our men's golf program into one of the premier programs in Division III.  The athletic department at Colgate is lucky to have JP and all that he brings to their men's program."

In his final tournament leading the Lions, Kircher guided JOSH HEBRINK to become Piedmont's first ever NCAA Individual Champion, as Hebrink earned the crown by a single shot after a dramatic finishing stretch where he made eagle on the par-4 17th and poured in a slick par putt to become the national champion. 

"I have been lucky to have an incredible group of young men each year that have made van rides fun and easy, and helped build the GolfLions brand, which I know will continue to further heights," Kircher said.

Kircher helped Piedmont earn its first ever No. 1 national ranking in any sport, as he guided the Lions earn the top spot following the fall season in 2020. The 2021 season saw Piedmont overtake rivals Methodist and Huntingdon to capture the program's first ever USA South Tournament Championship, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

Over his six seasons, Kircher delivered six team titles and coached 14 individual medalists or co-medalists. He guided seven All-America selections, nine All-Region selections and helped FRED ROBERTS IV earn 2023 CCS Player of the Year honors.

"It has been a wildly emotional and enjoyable experience watching the team climb into the top teams of Division III with Piedmont.  Our success on the course speaks for itself, and there are too many players to name and thank, but I look forward to continuing all my friendships with them going on.  I can't wait to watch from afar at what the GolfLions will accomplish!  Forever, Go Lions!" - JP Kircher