ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – Bethel University Director of Athletics Bob Bjorklund announced the hiring of Nick Cocalis as the next head coach of the Royals men's golf program. Cocalis becomes the fifth head coach in the program's history taking over for Tony Weber who announced his resignation in May after eight seasons with Bethel. 

"I look forward to the impact Nick Cocalis will have on the ethos of Bethel men's golf," said Bjorklund. "Nick is a gifted leader who is casting a compelling vision for the future of our program. His high energy spirit and engaging demeanor will serve him well as he takes over as head coach. Nick's golf knowledge, attention to detail and commitment to team building will lead to a first class experience for our student-athletes. I am thrilled to have him as part of our athletics staff."

Cocalis joins the Bethel family after spending 2018 as a professional golfer on the PGA Tour Latin America following an 11-year career in ministry. He also competed in the Pepsi Tour and Outlaw Tour where he recorded three top-five finishes while averaging a 71.5 score as a professional. Cocalis also currently works for CaddieMaster, a service that provides professional caddie and forecaddie services, where he serves as a caddie for PGA, LPGA and mini-tour players.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to join the team at Bethel University," Cocalis said. "BU has been a special place for my family for many years and it is a university I have such great respect for. It is a true blessing to join the Bethel family and serve alongside the team of amazing coaches at BU."

Prior to his professional golf career, Cocalis served in ministry where he co-founded Next Step Ministries in 2007. As executive director he helped the nonprofit organization lead over 6,000 students annually on short-term mission trips that focused on community development in 20 communities worldwide. At Next Step Ministries he helped manage 17 strategic outreach partnerships across the US, Haiti, Guatemala, the Bahamas and Jamaica. 

"My passions in life are to lead and develop young men into passionate Christ followers and to pursue excellence in the game of golf, so the opportunity to lead the golf program at BU was a perfect fit."

Cocalis graduated from Marquette University with a degree in communications (broadcast journalism) before earning his masters in nonprofit business management from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He also is an ordained minister with Next Step Ministries following his ordination in 2017.