HHCA Seniors Sign on First National Signing Day of 24-25 Year
Two golfers from Hilton Head Christian Academy (HHCA) signed to further their athletic careers at the collegiate level on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Seniors JP Reed and Gabe Schmitz were joined by their coaches, mentors, families, and friends at a ceremony led by HHCA Athletic Director J.W. Wilkerson. Before putting pen to paper, each spoke briefly about the journey that brought them to this moment. The ceremony took place on the first national signing day of the 24-25 school year.
Gabe Schmitz committed to play golf at Division 1 West Virginia University last fall during his junior year. JP Reed will play at Southern Wesleyan University. Close friends who play and practice together year-round, both played on HHCA’s 2023 State Championship golf team and received All-State Honors for the last two seasons.
These young men have an amazing work ethic, and it’s wonderful to see that pay off as they take this next step in their careers. I am very proud of both of them and will continue to pray for God's blessings on their lives as they continue to pursue their golf careers.
- Mike Spangler, Varsity Boys Golf Head Coach
HHCA touts an extensive list of golfers who have gone on to play at the collegiate level and beyond. Two golfers from the Class of 2015 are currently pursuing professional careers in the sport. Bryson Nimmer played at Clemson University and currently plays on the Korn Ferry Tour, and Trace Crowe played at Auburn University and currently plays on the PGA Tour. After a stellar career at Virginia Tech, Daniel Azallion (‘19) is also beginning his professional golf career. Additionally, Max Green (‘21), a senior on the West Virginia University golf team, finished at No. 30 in the latest PGA Tour University rankings. Green will graduate just before Schmitz joins the WVU team.
Commenting on HHCA’s tradition of sending golfers to the next level, JP Reed shared, “It’s an honor to join the long list of HHCA golfers that have taken their game to the next level. Like them, my time here has helped me grow as an athlete, and as a young man. I am excited to continue our school’s tradition of playing golf at the next level and hope to make all of those who’ve gone before me proud.” Reed has played golf for the Eagles since the sixth grade.
HHCA celebrates JP and Gabe's accomplishments as they join a legacy of student-athletes who excel both on and off the course, exemplifying the school’s commitment to developing leaders who impact their communities and beyond.
HHCA alumni who have played golf at the collegiate level include:
- James Labare ‘95, Queens University of Charlotte
- Chip Wedgeworth '04, Wheaton College
- Michael Montgomery '09, College of Charleston
- Jenny Payne '09, USC Beaufort
- Chandler Vilcheck '11, Louisiana Tech University
- JD Lehman '13, University of Louisville
- Bryson Nimmer '15, Clemson University
- Trace Crowe '15, Auburn University
- Matt Lehman '16, Furman University
- RJ Bartolomucci '16, High Point University
- Anna Lesemann Eddy '17, Wofford College
- Jamie Hubbard '17, Montreat College & USC Beaufort
- Evan Greenplate '18, Rollins College
- Danny Azallion '19, Virginia Tech
- JD Patterson '19, United States Naval Academy
- Max Green '21, West Virginia University
- Sean Engler '22, Gettysburg College & University of Mississippi
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