NCSA Golf Recruiting Coaches

Kirk Kayden

CoachKKayden@ncsasports.org | 877-845-6272 | University of Toledo

I played college golf for four years at the University of Toledo. I went on to be a college Coach for 20 years at the Division 1 level. This would include being an assistant at Penn State for four years, ten years as the head coach at Austin Peay State University, and seven at Mercer University. I have been married to my wife, Melissa, for nineteen years and we have a daughter Maddie, who is in the 8th grade and enjoys playing soccer and volleyball. We currently live in Macon, GA. We enjoy watching college athletics, traveling, dog walking, and reading. The best part about working for NCSA will be connecting the students and parents to college coaches, and helping young people achieve their dreams of playing at the next level.

Abby Phillips

CoachAPhillips@ncsasports.org | 312-610-6038 | Indiana State University

I started working at NCSA because I grew up in a small town in Wisconsin where it was tough to get exposure. My parents and I spent our summers in the car driving around the state to different tournaments to try and be seen by college coaches. We went through the process blindly, just assuming what needed to be done. Little did we know, coaches don’t just show up at these tournaments randomly. As rewarding and fun as those trips were, had we understood how recruiting works and had a plan in place, we could have saved time and money.

I feel extremely fortunate that I had parents and a high school coach who were not only able, but willing, to put in the time, energy and money to get me to those tournaments and help do whatever it took for me to become a college athlete. That being said, I know not every student-athlete has that same luxury. Because of that, I feel grateful that I get to spend my days helping families find life-changing opportunities, especially those where a college education, scholarship or playing opportunity seems impossible. It is my hope that families understand the benefits of having a solid recruiting plan and getting started with it early.

My favorite part about working at NCSA is receiving an athlete commitment email. We are notified whenever a recruit that we’ve worked with in the past commits to a college program. Knowing I helped play a part in that commitment feels very special. When I’m not working at NCSA, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Zach, and family, running, cooking, playing golf, hiking, being at the beach (well, just about anything outdoors in the sunshine really!), and watching my beloved Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers.

Brian Schiffbauer, Jr.

CoachBSchiffbauer@ncsasports.org | 312-638-4482 | Lake Erie College

I had the great fortune of a four-year playing career at Allegheny College and Lake Erie College, where I played both baseball and golf. During and after my playing career, I spent time as a high school coach for golf, basketball, baseball and softball, before starting a seven-year career as a college golf coach, spending time at each level of the NCAA. As a college coach, I was twice named Region Coach of the Year and Conference Coach of the Year. I have had the pleasure of starting four intercollegiate programs and also serving as a professor for Oxford College of Emory University. 

Being a part of the NCSA family has been a rewarding experience because, throughout my career, I have always put the family first in the recruitment process and wanted to find the best fit for all prospective student-athletes. The most rewarding experience of my career was when I was able to offer a full scholarship to a first-generation student-athlete who didn’t think they would be able to afford a college education. That experience far exceeded any personal accolade that I could ever receive.

No student-athlete will be a fit for every school and the process of being noticed by college coaches and finding the right fit can be a tedious process. It is my goal to help families find the right fit and be the best asset I can in the college recruiting process. I strive to be honest and thorough in my time with families because as a father myself, I want the best for every son/daughter I get the honor of working beside.

John Sullivan

johnsullivan@ncsasports.org | Campbell University

I attended Campbell University where I majored in Professional Golf Management. Prior to my time at Campbell, I played collegiate golf at Carson-Newman University outside of Knoxville, TN. After graduating from Campbell, I became a Class “A” member of the PGA of America in 2006 and served as assistant golf professional and instructor at various high end and resort golf facilities throughout the southeast, primarily The Grove Park Inn Resort, Brasstown Valley Resort in GA, and most recently Biltmore Forest Country Club in western NC.

I served 8 yrs. as the Head Men’s & Women’s Golf Coach at Montreat College, a small NAIA institution in Asheville, NC where I had the task of building the program from the ground up. I am a 4 time member of the PGA President’s Council on “Growing the Game”, an honor bestowed on golf professionals who have excelled in leadership, player development, and growth of the game to all sectors of players.

I am passionate about recruiting and helping families and students find the right for their future. My philosophy as a recruiter is that it is not a one size fits all mentality. I am excited to help students from all over the world follow their dreams.