CJ Stockel tabbed to take over Tallulah Falls golf
TFS has its new golf coach, and he's passionate about it!
CJ Stockel has been named Tallulah Falls School's new head varsity girls and boys golf coach prior to the 2025-26 school year.
Stockel, who just finished his first year at TFS as the Strength and Conditioning Coach, has a background in golf that includes being TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) and USKids Golf certified.
"I'm so excited and pumped for this opportunity to coach this golf program," exclaims Stockel. "I can't wait for this – I've waited a long time, for many years, to be able to coach golf. I'm thrilled to be able to go into a program that has been well-established and keep it going."
"Coach Stockel brings a passion for golf and even more, a passion for positively impacting our student-athletes," says Athletic Director Greg Neeley. "He is a great fit to continue building on the positive momentum in our golf programs."
With his expertise in weightlifting, he has educated and coached athletes in nearly every sport at the high school and middle school levels. Prior to TFS, Stockel coached at Rabun County from 2017-24 and at Flowery Branch from 2006-13. His certifications in USA Weightlifting includes being a USA Senior International Coach multiple times.
Stockel played baseball the way to the JUCO level in college, which interfered with the opportunity to play golf. But he has been around the game his whole life, and relishes the challenge of helping each individual become better.
"Our job is to improve the kids we have," adds Stockel. "I love golf because you play with the five inches between your ears. It's a mental game as much as it is physical. The objective is to make the kids better people and better golfers, and it's a game you get to play for a lifetime."
The Lady Indians recently placed fourth at state for a second straight year, and have finished in the top-5 six times since 2014 and top-10 eight times. The girls also have six region titles and two straight in 2024-25.
The boys placed 17th last season at state, and were 8th the year prior. The Indians just finished as Runner-Up in the area for only the second time in their history. Both teams will return several key golfers with plenty of experience.