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James Madison University

James Madison University is a public research university in Harrisonburg, Virginia, known for its stunning Shenandoah Valley campus, strong sense of community, and nationally recognized campus life. Students often rave about the more than 400 clubs and organizations, the vibrant Dukes spirit at sports events, the supportive faculty in small classes, and the picturesque setting with easy access to hiking, rivers, and nearby small cities.

State

Virginia

Student Population

22,000

Acceptance Rate

71–76%

GPA Range

3.5–3.7

SAT Range

1170–1320

Common Majors

health professions, business, communications, psychology, criminal justice

“JMU feels like a tight‑knit community with lots of school spirit, small‑class experiences, and things to do on campus; it’s easy to find friends, activities, and support that make the whole college experience rewarding.”

Team & Tuition

Divison

Division 1

Tuition (no scholarship)

In-state: $14,300; Out-of-state: $31,906

Conference

Sun Belt Conference

Scholarships Available

Yes. Both athletic and academic.

Avg Men's Scores

72.45

Avg Women's Scores

74.88

Men's Team Notes

Dukes men improved to 875 (+11) across three rounds at Myrtle Beach Golf Trips Intercollegiate on Grande Dunes Resort Course, finishing 10th with steady 298-290-287 progression. Par-5 birdies and depth from upperclassmen fueled contention on Carolina coastal layouts amid winds.

Women's Team Notes

Duke women carded low team round of 283 (-1) at Daniel Island Invitational, with Grace Petzold's 72-73 anchoring top-25s on Daniel Island Club course. Bella Flores and Klara Sionkova's 2.58 par-or-better rate propelled top finishes across spring events.

Coaches

Men's Coach

Carter Cheves

Women's Coach

Tommy Baker

Men's Email

chevesjm@jmu.edu

Women's Email

bakertw@jmu.edu

Men's Coach Bio

Carter Cheves is James Madison men’s head golf coach, entering his seventh season with the Dukes in 2025–26. Hired in 2019 after prior head‑coaching stints at Western Carolina and Ohio, he has overseen the team’s transition into the Sun Belt Conference and multiple program‑record‑low scoring averages. Cheves emphasizes a high‑level, competitive schedule and strong fundamental work, aiming to keep JMU among the top programs in the Sun Belt and at the edges of NCAA‑postseason‑level contention.

Women's Coach Bio

Tommy Baker is James Madison women’s head golf coach, entering his eighth season with the Dukes in 2025–26. He has elevated the program with multiple team victories and the five best scoring averages in school history, including a Colonial Athletic Association title in 2021. Baker emphasizes scoring‑oriented play, short‑game development, and a strong team culture, working to sustain and expand JMU women’s golf as a competitive Sun Belt‑level program and a regular presence in postseason‑caliber seasons.

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