EDMOND, Okla. - Ultimate frisbee head coach Garrett Taylor, men's and women's bowling head coach James Hayes, men's golf head coach David Lynn, softball head coach Shalee Rodriguez and men's and women's swimming head coach Josh Davis (not pictured) were named as the recipients for the 2024 Mitchell Excellence in Coaching Award.

The Mitchell Excellence in Coaching Award, named after boosters Dennis and Phyllis Mitchell, is given annually to a coach (or coaches) who have received a coach-of-the-year honor at the conference or regional level, guided a team into the NCAA Division II postseason, coached an All-America selection or won a conference title.

"It is such an honor to have alumni like Dennis and Phyllis Mitchell," Director of Athletics David Lynn said. "Their impact is felt all over campus, in our facilities, program, athletics and most importantly in our students' experiences. We are so grateful for their support at our games and of our programs. We could not achieve the things we do on the on the fields of competition and in the classroom without them."

Coach Taylor led his ultimate frisbee team to the National Semifinals where his team placed third in the nation. Coach Hayes, in the women's bowling program's inaugural year as an NCAA sanctioned entity, led his team to the Intercollegiate Team Championships for the first time in the program's history. On the men's side, Hayes produced an All-American and the National Player of the Year Runner-Up.

Lynn's men's golf program saw its third consecutive trip to the National Semifinals while also coaching four GCAA PING All-Americans: Leandro Mihaich (First Team), Exequiel Rodriguez (Second Team), Oskari Nikku (Third Team) and Blas Ayesa (Honorable Mention). In addition to the All-American nod, Mihaich was named the NCAA Division II Jack Nicklaus Award winner, recognizing the best player in DII.

Under the direction of Coach Rodriguez, Oklahoma Christian softball made its first trip to the NCAA DII Super Regionals after defeating NFCA No. 1 West Texas A&M in the South Central Region Finals, 9-8. The berth in the Super Regionals came on the backs of a 35-23 campaign for the program's fifth consecutive 35-win season (not including 2020).

Men's and women's swimming coach Josh Davis capped off the coaching honorees after Davis led the OC men to an 11th place finish at the NCAA Division II National Championships while the women placed 24th. Individually, twelve Eagles were named CSCAA All-Americans, including 200 breaststroke National Champion JT Amrein (First Team).

"The Coaching Excellence program is something near and dear to my heart," Lynn said. "My experience as a coach led me to want to create something to reward our coaches when they do something special. Dennis and Phyllis have an amazing passion for OC and Eagle Athletics. Their support of this award is something I am so thankful for."