John D. (J.D.) Powis announced he would be stepping down after sixteen years as head coach of the Penn State Schuylkill co-ed golf team.

Powis is one of the longest-tenured coaches in the history of Penn State Schuylkill, and his connection with the Schuylkill campus runs even deeper. Powis is a Schuylkill County native who first arrived on campus as a student-athlete himself. He was named golf's Most Valuable Player in 1992–the last year that Schuylkill had an active golf program until it was resurrected in 2003 with Powis as its head coach.

Penn State Schuylkill athletic director Joseph Godri recently reflected on Powis' career and its lasting impact. "Not only has J.D. enjoyed a successful 16-year coaching career, but he has also built a dynamic team poised for future success. He will long be remembered as a pro's pro among his colleagues, students, and friends."

During his time at Schuylkill, Powis has helped to develop the program's participation and impact, increasing the roster size and winning results year over year. He has built a competitive team that not only sets its sights on the annual PSUAC Championship, but also competes in Division III play across Pennsylvania. He has coached five USCAA All-Academic players and competed at the USCAA National Championship since 2011.

In the previous few seasons, his program has produced standout athletic performances, including Josh Zelinski, who earned a spot on PSUAC's 1st Team in 2018 and was the winner of the 2019 PSUAC Mont-Alto Spring Classic; and Kat McCarthy, Penn State Schuylkill's first woman golfer, who was named USCAA's 2019 Individual Women's Champion. Additionally, 2019 marked Penn State Schuylkill's inaugural first-place finish in the annual PSUAC Blue Course Invitational.

Powis also launched the Penn State Schuylkill Classic at Mountain Valley, in Barnesville, Pa. This premier annual event hosts over 100 golfers from across the Penn State commonwealth campuses, along with other Division III competitors.

"Penn State Schuylkill is a very special place for me, and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to serve as head golf coach at this great University," Powis reflected. "I have always felt great pride in my association with Penn State Schuylkill, both as a student and now as a coach. The friendships developed and memories made over the past 17 years are something that I will always treasure."

Godri concluded, "Coach Powis is not only dedicated to inspiring a winning environment, but the impact he has had on our student-athletes, campus, and department created a foundation for the golf program that will be long-lasting. On behalf of the entire campus, we wish him the very best."