John Roberts

"I look forward to helping our student-athletes perform to the best of their abilities on the course, on the ice, and in the classroom."

John Roberts enters his second season as head coach of the Norwich University men's golf program after leading one of the most successful campaigns in the program's young history.

In his first season, Roberts guided the Cadets to a fourth-place finish at the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Championship while helping elevate Norwich into one of the conference's top contenders. Under his leadership, junior Cooper Bertrand became the first golfer in program history to earn GNAC Golfer of the Year honors after capturing three tournament victories during the fall season. Freshman JD Mahoney added First Team All-GNAC recognition, highlighting the depth and continued growth of the Cadets' program.

Roberts also serves as an assistant coach for Norwich men's ice hockey and goaltending coach for both the men's and women's hockey programs, bringing a unique multisport perspective to student-athlete development.

Coach Highlights

• Second-year head coach of Norwich men's golf
• Guided Norwich to one of the strongest seasons in program history
• Coached the program's first-ever GNAC Golfer of the Year
• Coached a First Team All-GNAC selection
• Led Norwich to a tournament championship at the Tony Mariano Invitational
• Assistant coach, Norwich men's ice hockey
• Joint goaltending coach for Norwich men's and women's hockey
• Both men's and women's hockey teams won conference titles and qualified for the NCAA Tournament last year
• Women's hockey won 23 consecutive games and played in the Frozen Four
• Former NCAA Division I and Division III student-athlete
• NCAA Tournament coach at Stevenson University
• Extensive background in golf instruction, player development, and course management

Building a Championship Culture

Roberts inherited a young varsity program with tremendous potential. In just one season, the Cadets established themselves among the GNAC's leading programs, earning victories against conference opponents, capturing tournament titles, and competing for conference championships.

The 2025 campaign featured a team victory at the Tony Mariano Invitational, the program's highest-ever finish at the prestigious Duke Nelson Invitational, and a runner-up finish at the Castleton Invitational before concluding with another top-four finish at the GNAC Championship.

Coaching Philosophy

Roberts believes successful golfers are developed through preparation, discipline, accountability, and continuous improvement.

His coaching emphasizes technical development, course management, mental resilience, and leadership, helping student-athletes compete at a high level while preparing them for success beyond graduation.

This philosophy reflects Norwich University's commitment to developing leaders who excel in athletics, academics, and service.

A Dual Role in Norwich Athletics

Few collegiate coaches bring experience across multiple varsity programs.

Alongside leading Norwich men's golf, Roberts serves on the nationally ranked Norwich hockey coaching staff, working with both men's and women's goaltenders for two of Division III hockey's premier programs. His experience coaching athletes in two highly competitive environments provides a valuable perspective on performance, preparation, and leadership.

A Golf Foundation

Growing up in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, Roberts developed his passion for golf at Pinecrest Country Club before gaining experience in nearly every aspect of the game, including instruction, course management, operations, and youth development.

Combined with his collegiate coaching background, that experience enables him to mentor golfers both technically and strategically while fostering confidence, sportsmanship, and lifelong appreciation for the game.

Preparing Student-Athletes for Success

At Norwich, Roberts measures success by more than tournament results.

He is committed to helping student-athletes become confident competitors, effective leaders, and engaged members of the Norwich community. Whether on the course, in the classroom, or through campus leadership opportunities, his goal is to prepare graduates for success long after their competitive careers conclude.