By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Nolan Chandler used the ‘buddy system’ to help secure a college golf scholarship.
The Union City High School senior – last season’s district runner-up and a Top 5 league finisher in each of his high school campaigns – signed papers Friday to continue his playing career at Bryan College.
When he arrives at the Dayton, TN, school in the fall, Chandler will be reunited with former Tornado teammate Joyner Caldwell, who inked with the NAIA program in 2020 and still is a member of the squad. The two will be roommates, Chandler said, at the small liberal arts college that competes in the Appalachian Athletic Conference.
“The high school relationship Nolan had with Joyner initially got us connected,” veteran BC head coach Jake Goins said of the Lions’ interest in Chandler. “There has been constant communication between those two, and that led us back here, to Union City.
“We believe he has a world of untapped potential.”
Chandler and Joyner were UCHS teammates during that 2020 season – the former a freshman and the latter a senior on a Twister squad that placed second in the district and earned a spot in the regional tourney.
“I’ve played a lot of golf with Joyner, and he really helped me when I transitioned to high school from middle school when he was a senior,” Chandler said. “That was a big adjustment, and he made it easier.”
Nolan finished fifth in the district tournament as a freshman, fourth as a sophomore, and third in his junior season. He was UC’s team medalist in most matches during his season and believes he will thrive on the next level.
“For sure, I have a lot to work on, but I do believe my best golf is ahead of me,” he said. “The campus there was very inviting, and I felt welcome on my visit.
“I’m ready to get to know some new people and get to work on trying to make the Top 5 and compete for conference and national championships.”
Nolan is the son of Rhonda and Dr. John Clendenin, and Jeff Chandler.