John Michael Cole’s journey from a local standout to a nationally recognized collegiate golf coach is a testament to his enduring passion, leadership, and excellence in the sport. A Fayetteville native and Cape Fear High School graduate, Cole signed with Fayetteville State University in 2010, launching a decorated career that would span more than a decade and leave a lasting legacy on Bronco Athletics.
As a student-athlete, Cole quickly made his mark, earning CIAA Player of the Year honors and winning the PGA Works Division II Collegiate Championship as a freshman. His competitive spirit and skill led him to five collegiate victories before transferring to Appalachian State, where he served as team captain and graduated in 2014.
Cole’s professional playing career included a win at the 2015 Crow Creek Invitational on the Coastal Players Tour, but his greatest impact came as a coach. He began his coaching career at Fayetteville Technical Community College, building both men’s and women’s programs from scratch and earning FTCC Coach of the Year and NJCAA Region X Coach of the Year honors.
In 2018, Cole returned to Fayetteville State as head coach, immediately elevating the Broncos program. Under his leadership, FSU achieved:
- 2023 CIAA Championship – the program’s first since 2012
- Two NCAA Division II National Championship appearances
- Multiple All-CIAA and All-Region selections
- CIAA Coach of the Year honors (2019, 2023)
- HBCU National Coach of the Year (2023)
Cole’s tenure at FSU was defined by competitive success, player development, and a commitment to excellence. His coaching career continued at VCU, where he helped the Rams win the Atlantic 10 title and reach a top-40 national ranking, and he now serves as Head Coach at Georgia State University.
John Michael Cole’s induction into the Fayetteville State Athletics Hall of Fame honors not only his achievements on the course and sidelines but also his unwavering dedication to the growth of collegiate golf and the student-athletes he mentored.
