CLINTON, Iowa - The Ashford University athletic department was pleased to announce the official hiring of Josh Heiple as head coach for the men's golf program, effective on Monday.

Originally from Sturgis, Mich., Heiple has spent the past three years as the head men's golf coach of the Glen Oaks Community College in Centerville, Mich.

During that time Heiple helped rebuild a program from the brink of extinction into a top-10 nationally ranked program. He also tutored his players to numerous All-Conference and All-Region accolades while at the helm.

"I am excited to start the transformation of Ashford University men's golf grogram," said Heiple. "The fall season should give me an opportunity to see what talent is in place and also see what will need to be addressed moving forward. There is no ceiling on how good a team can be here at Ashford and I am looking forward to the challenge of making this program a championship contender."

Heiple has also spent the past two years as a student assistant for the Western Michigan University women's golf program while he was working toward his degree. In that same time frame, Heiple has been the Tournament Director for the National Junior College Athletic Association Region 12.

"Josh is going to be a great addition to the staff at Ashford University," said AU Director of Athletics Meg Schebler. "He has an outstanding background in coaching and recruiting and we're looking forward to him building our men's golf program into a contender."

Heiple played collegiate golf and was a letter-winner at the University of Northern Iowa from 1997-2001.

Heiple obtained his Bachelor of Science with emphasis in Communication and Business from Western Michigan University after transferring from the University of Northern Iowa. He currently resides in Richland, Mich., with his wife, Brooke, and 22-month old daughter, Sophia.

The Heiple File

• Assistant Golf Professional - Klinger Lake Country Club (2001-2002)
• Teaching Professional - Norm's Golf Center (2004-2007)
• Touring Professional (2003-2007)
• Student Assistant - Western Michigan University Women's Golf (2009-2010)
• Tournament Director - NJCAA Region 12 (2009-2010)
• Head Men's Golf Coach - Glen Oaks Community College (2009-2010)
• Head Men's Golf Coach - Ashford University (2010-Present)