Kean University Fosters a New Golf Program Coming Next Fall

By John DeFreitas | Published November 8, 2023

Kean University is home to beautiful stadiums and arenas like Alumni Stadium, Jim Hynes Stadium, and Harwood Arena. Now, about three miles away starting in the fall of 2024, incoming golfers will call Galloping Hill Golf Course home.

Kean President Lamont Repollet gave his opening day address before the fall semester and spoke of the past success within Kean athletics and what would be part of the future.

“There’s more sports greatness to come as Kean Athletics continue to expand…” said President Repollet during his opening day address. “In the fall of 2024, we will add men’s and women’s golf.”

Joseph Yeck was tabbed to be the head coach of men’s and women’sgolf and voiced his excitement for the new program. 

“I think that’s a really cool thing here at Kean, to be able to start a new program and build that foundation from scratch,” said Coach Yeck. “And hopefully bring in student-athletes that have that desire and want to be part of something new.”

Yeck spoke about his search for student-athletes and the contact he has already made with future potential Kean golfers. 

“The response has been really good right now so far,” said Yeck. “Right now it’s just doing Zoom calls, phone calls, text messaging, and then hopefully getting some more kids to visit campus.”

Coach Yeck formed the women’s golf program at NJCU previously and was an assistant coach at Drew University also helping to establish their golf program.

“That’s the exciting and challenging part,” said Yeck. “Because there is a little bit of unknown coming to a new school where the program is new. There hasn’t been that type of experience and foundation that’s already been established.”

Yeck referenced his time building other Division III golf programs and how he felt about the results.

“I’ve felt pretty good about what we’ve done in those years,” said Yeck, so I feel like it’s an easy 

transition trying to build it from ground zero, so I’m excited about that challenge.”

Yeck spoke about the competitive goals he wants to strive for in the team and expressed his passion for the sport in doing so.

“I want us to eventually win a conference championship and play in an NCAA tournament,” Yeck said.

Yeck has first-hand experience as a Division III student-athlete from York College in Pennsylvania as both a golfer and basketball player. The student-athlete experience within Division III is unique and coach Yeck explains what that means to him.

“Academics is always the number one priority…” said Yeck. “So I want our kids to have that true Division III experience where they can play competitive golf, be a part of a team.”

 Yeck talked about being a leader for the team and trying to help prepare incoming student-athletes for their future careers.

Coach Yeck also brought up the view of golf being part of networking and business. As much as this is an opportunity in athletics, Yeck also recognizes that golf can potentially support students’ career development.

“A lot of meetings happen on the golf course when you’re in the working world,” said Yeck. “So I think if you can be a college athlete and be a part of a golf team… it’s only gonna serve you well, before and after you graduate.”

Coach Yeck talks about some main points that make the new program specifically at Kean attractive. 

“I think the selling point is being close to New York City, having strong facilities, and having the opportunity to potentially play right away as a freshman…” said Yeck. “You’re gonna have opportunities to compete for playing time for sure.”

Coach Yeck had a focus on the core of the roster being from New Jersey schools but he would still be open to a good recruitment opportunity. Just over the last two years, Yeck hasrecruited a player from Florida and from Zimbabwe.“

“I’m excited for a new challenge, a new opportunity and I’m hoping we can be real competitive here in the near future…” said Yeck. “If you can build a culture the right way and bring in the right type ofpeople it makes for an easier opportunity to recruit and have people buy in for that team.”

The support for Coach Yeck is clear from across the board. The excitement about the team is palpable and even with the better part of a year before the season begins, there is much work to be done to form the team and create a strong culture.

“I think the buzz with the athletic administration, the President, it seems like a place where they really are excited about having golf,” said Yeck. “So it’s nice to have that support from the get-go and it’s really up to me now to mold it into what I’m looking to do.”

The sentiment of this is further echoed by Athletic Director Kelly Williams, who recognizes Yeck’s passion for the game and cares about making sure the new head coach has what he needs to build a successful golf program. 

In the pursuit of a new head coach, Williams mentions how Yeck’s former school NJCU had nothing but good things to say about him. This also being another Division III school fits the bill for Kean Athletics. 

“He [Yeck] understands the Division III student experience,” said Williams.

Williams added to this by speaking on how Division III athletes compete because they love their sport and noted the same balance of the student-athlete lifestyle that Yeck also spoke about. 

At every turn, Williams and Yeck seem on the same page even regarding their personal feelings on what the program means to them. Williams gave a little sneak peek into the new team by pulling out the new Kean golf polos athletes will be sporting next season.

 “There’s no turning back now,” said Williams.

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