Charles Van Horn Named Head Coach of Pellissippi State Men’s Golf

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Pellissippi State Athletics Director has announced Charles Van Horn as the new head coach of the men’s golf team.

With more than 25 years of experience coaching both men’s and women’s programs, Coach Van Horn brings a strong track record of building competitive teams and helping student-athletes grow — both on and off the course.

“We’re really happy to bring Charles on board,” said Athletic Director Brock Evans. “He has an abundant amount of experience that will be key in helping Pellissippi State golf take the next step. He is a proven winner at the NJCAA level and I cant wait to see what he builds.”

Van Horn comes to Pellissippi from his most recent stop, Newberry College, where he spent the last few seasons as the head women’s golf coach. In his first year there, his team won the Pfeiffer Invitational and had three top-five finishes. 

Before Newberry, Van Horn served as the head coach for both the men’s and women’s golf teams at Georgia Military College. In 2019, he led the men’s team to an NJCAA Division III National Championship and a top-10 national ranking. He also launched GMC’s first-ever women’s golf program in 2018.

Van Horn’s coaching path has also taken him to Judson University, Oakton College, Waubonsee Community College, and Aurora Central Catholic High School.

But his career hasn’t just been about golf. Van Horn spent over 20 years as a Senior Medic with the Aurora Fire Department in Illinois before retiring in 2011. During that time, he earned certifications as a Level III Firefighter, Hazmat Incident Commander, and Master Scuba Diver.

He holds degrees in engineering and business management, as well as associate’s degrees from Morrison Institute of Technology and Waubonsee Community College.

Off the course, Van Horn enjoys spending time with his wife, Glenda, and their three daughters: Amber, Leah, and Alison.

“Life presents opportunities” Van Horn said. “My job as a coach is to help our student athletes take advantage of these opportunities. I am excited for the future of Pellissippi State Panthers golf.”