By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, –The chance to play golf at the next level was only a small part of Joyner Caldwell’s college choice.
“If you complete your bachelor’s degree requirements with a 3.5 GPA, they’ll pay for you to get your master’s (degree),” the Union City High School senior said, after signing scholarship papers with Bryan College Friday while surrounded by several family members.
“That’s pretty big.”
BC is a small liberal arts school in Dayton, Tenn., that competes on the NAIA level and in the Appalachian Athletic Conference.
Caldwell, who helped the Golden Tornadoes to a district runner-up finish and a spot in the regional tournament last fall, said he twice reached out to school officials with no success when exploring his college options before new BC coach Jake Goins then made contact with him.
“I knew I wanted to try to play college golf and was just looking around at the scores of their team,” claimed Caldwell, who’ll also receive academic and worship arts music financial aid from the college. “After I finally made contact with the new coach (Goins), I took two visits – one in December and the other on Scholarship Weekend in February.
“I really liked their openness and that they didn’t treat me like just a number. Everyone was very welcoming.”
UCHS head coach Jason Qualls was pleased that Caldwell will get the opportunity to continue to play the sport he loves while pursuing his education.
“Joyner really has a passion for the game and enjoys playing it,” Qualls said. “He will be a good representation of our program, our school system and our town.
“That he has a vision of what’s ahead of him and what he wants to do speaks volumes about his commitment and his character. I look forward to watching him grow as a golfer and a young man as he moves into the next phase of his life.”
Joyner is the son of Kurt and Brittney Caldwell and Amanda and Allison Peevyhouse.
PHOTO– Back Row: Sammye Caldwell, Pete Caldwell, Coach Jake Goins, Coach Jason Qualls, Brother-in-Law Waylon Spaulding, Sister Courtney Spaulding, Nephew Brycen Worley
Seated: Brittney Caldwell, Kurt Caldwell, Joyner Caldwell, Amanda Peevyhouse, Stepdad Allison Peevyhouse, Brother Austin Caldwell