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Greg Stafford is grateful to still enjoy his calling even in retirement. Being the Hope College women’s golf coach means the world to him.
In this episode of the Hope Athletics Orange and Blue Podcast, Stafford tells sports information director Alan Babbitt about why he relishes coaching the Flying Dutch golfers.
Stafford also shares how his Hope College coaching career started and how he and his team approached a unique fall golf season.
“I just like working with kids. If it wasn’t coaching, I’m sure I would be doing something else with kids,” Stafford said. “I’m one of the luckiest people in the world. I actually did my whole life something that I was happy doing and thought I was put on earth to do. I feel I was brought here to coach.”
Looking Ahead
Stafford is in his 12th season as head coach of the Hope College women’s golf team. He started after he retired from teaching at the Godwin Heights school district near Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The Flying Dutch recently completed their fall practice after the COVID-19 pandemic postponed competition until the spring.
Hope looks forward to teeing off the spring season on Saturday, March 27 with the first of eight scheduled MIAA 18-hole Jamborees.
Practicing and playing together, while following NCAA and Ottawa County Health Department-safety protocols, were beneficial, Stafford said.
“We were therapeutic for both,” Stafford said. “Obviously in our country right now, this is a very trying time. I really needed something to do and the girls needed something to do.
“It was just a blessing for all parties involved that we had something to look forward to. Five days a week, we went out and worked hard and tried to put everything else behind. We’re really looking forward to the spring.”