OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma Christian University (OC) men’s golf coach David Lynn has been honored by LG Electronics USA with the inaugural LG Life’s Good Coaches Award, recognizing his commitment to fostering mental health awareness and creating a supportive environment for OC student-athletes. Lynn is one of only two coaches nationwide – across all NCAA sports and divisions – to receive the prestigious honor.
The LG Life’s Good Coaches Award was introduced in partnership with the NCAA and celebrates collegiate coaches who prioritize mental well-being and help to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health in sports. Lynn, who also serves as OC’s athletic director, received the award after four current OC golfers nominated him. The other Life’s Good Coaches Award winner was University of Washington women’s rowing coach, Yasmin Farooq.
“It is a tremendous honor to receive the LG Life’s Good Coaches Award,” Lynn said. “The role of mental health for our student-athletes is more significant than ever. The pressures they face and their drive to compete at the highest level mean we, as coaches and mentors, should continue to find ways to champion them and give them permission to seek help and support when they need it. I’ve always believed that addressing mental health head-on can improve performance and change lives.”
While golfing at Sand Canyon Country Club in Santa Clarita, California, Lynn was surprised by CBS and LG with the award. He had taken a trip to California thinking he was an award finalist, but later found out he was one of two coaches in the nation selected.
“Both Yaz and David truly embody the spirit of our corporate motto “Life’s Good” and certainly embody what the Life’s Good Coach’s Award was created to recognize and elevate,” said LG USA’s head of marketing Louis Giagrande who surprised Farooq and Lynn during the segment this weekend with the news.
In addition to the award, Lynn also received a donation to support a mental health initiative of his choosing at OC.
“We are incredibly proud of David for his leadership in breaking down the barriers surrounding mental health in sports,” OC president Dr. Ken Jones said. “We have a storied history of athletic successes at OC; part of that success comes from coaches and campus leaders understanding the significance of supporting our athletes on and off their respective playing fields and arenas. David sets a powerful example by creating a welcoming environment for those who call our campus community home.”
Lynn is in his 24th season leading the men’s golf program at OC, guiding the Eagles to NCAA Division II National semifinals and finals appearances for the last three seasons. A 1995 OC graduate, Lynn has been honored as a Conference Coach of the Year 11 times in three different leagues and the National Coach of the Year in 2011 and 2023 respectively. He has steered OC to over 70 team tournament titles throughout his career. An OC Athletic Hall of Fame inductee and Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame inductee, Lynn’s legacy has shaped OC golf and OC athletics, at large.
Championing mental health is a top priority at OC. The university houses a free on-campus counseling center, providing confidential support and resources for all students, including athletes. To learn more about OC, visit oc.edu.
About Oklahoma Christian University
Oklahoma Christian University is a higher learning community transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship and service. What began in 1950 as Central Christian College has grown into a comprehensive Christian university serving students worldwide. Affiliated with the churches of Christ, OC offers nationally ranked programs and athletics, award-winning professors, memorable student life opportunities and unique, faith-based learning experiences. To learn more, visit oc.edu.
- In higher-ed IT, balancing innovation with cyber risk - December 5, 2024
- As online learning programs grow, so does the need for data-informed decisions - December 3, 2024
- Renewing civic and democratic engagement on campus - November 27, 2024