University of Minnesota Athletics
James Accepts Position with Golf Australia/AIS
1/5/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
University of Minnesota Director of Athletics Joel Maturi announced today that Director of Golf Brad James has resigned his post with the Gophers, effective the first of July, after accepting the position of High Performance Director for Golf Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).
In his new position, James will be responsible for the oversight and management of Australia's men's and women's national teams, the country's rookie program, which develops young professionals like former Gopher Bronson La'Cassie, as well as the junior development program.
"I want to thank Brad for his years of service to the University of Minnesota as a student-athlete, assistant coach, head coach and program director," Maturi said. "Looking back it really is remarkable what Brad accomplished here and frankly he deserves the credit. He has a knack for developing players and helping them peak at just the right time and we all enjoyed the fruits of his labor.
"He overcame a lot during his time at the University of Minnesota to build a championship program, but most importantly I think Brad enjoyed the journey. Now he's looking at both a tremendous career opportunity as well as a chance to go home and I respect that. We will certainly miss him, but I am excited for him at the same time."
Maturi said that since James has committed to finish out the current competition season as the director of both programs a decision regarding the future leadership of the golf programs won't be made until late spring.
A native of Cairns, Queensland, Australia, James has overseen both the Gophers' men's and women's golf programs as Minnesota's Director of Golf for the past two and a half seasons after serving as the men's head coach since 2001.
"I am so thankful for everything the University of Minnesota has done for me," said James. "I've been here 17 years and in that time I not only received my degree but developed as a person and a coach. I owe this University everything and I could not be more grateful.
"I am fortunate to have been provided with an incredible amount of support. This program has every resource necessary to consistently be one of the best in the country. I have been blessed to work for a university that is so committed to the success of its golf programs."
James' accomplishments with the Gophers men's program are unparalleled in golf at the University of Minnesota. During his tenure at Minnesota, James has guided the Gophers to nine NCAA Championship appearances since his arrival in the Twin Cities as an assistant coach in 1997, including four finals berths in six seasons as the program's head coach, and one as the team's interim head coach.
James hit the ground running during his rookie season with the Gophers and led Minnesota to the pinnacle of the college golf world. In capturing the 2002 NCAA title, Minnesota accomplished something that was seen as virtually impossible as the Gophers became the first northern team since Ohio State in 1979 to win the national championship.
But the NCAA title was only half of the Gophers' accomplishments for 2002. James also led Minnesota to the Big Ten Championship that season as the Gophers snapped a 30-year drought to claim their first conference title since 1972.
More success followed for the Gophers under James as the team went on to claim conference crowns in both 2003 and 2007 and back to back top-10 national finishes in 2006 (third) and 2007 (ninth).
The Big Ten's 2003 Coach of the Year, James has mentored 11 different players to a total of 19 All-America honors during his nine seasons at the helm, including La'Cassie, the lone four-time All-American in school history. La'Cassie became the first Minnesota player to earn four PING/GCAA All-America citations (2004-05-06-07), while also being named first team All-Big Ten and All-Region each season of his collegiate career.
James also produced one of Minnesota's two three-time All-Americans in 2004, when Justin Smith joined the legendary Tom Lehman as just the second Golden Gopher to earn All-America accolades three times in his career. Lehman was named an All-American in 1979-80-81.
Many of James' former Gophers have advanced to play on major professional tours as well. In addition to La'Cassie (Nationwide Tour and PGA Tour of Australasia) and Smith (Nationwide Tour), 1998 NCAA Champion James McLean (PGA Tour) as well as Wilhelm Schauman (European PGA Tour), Simon Nash (European PGA Tour), Clayton Rask (Canadian Tour), Matt Anderson (Hooters Tour), and Ben Greve (Canadian Tour) have all played on professional tours.
In addition to his coaching tenure at Minnesota, James also played golf for the Gophers and played from 1993-96. He also earned his bachelor's in kinesiology and sports management from the "U".
James, his wife, Tanya, and their two daughters, Sydney and Taylor, will depart for Australia in July. The family will reside in Melbourne.
