Blaine Hancock has been named the new Golf Head Coach for the Salem Spartans. His appointment was formally approved by the Salem School Board and he will replace veteran leader Thad Snyder.
"I am excited and humbled to be selected as the next golf coach at Salem High School,” Hancock said. “I'm thankful to Coach Snyder for allowing me to be a part of the team the last two years and I hope to continue the level of excellence he has established during his 23 years at the helm of Salem’s program.”
Hancock arrived in Salem in 2020 when he was hired to teach mathematics at the high school, but sports, especially golf, have always been a big part of his equation. He played four years of varsity golf and competed on junior tours while growing up in southwest Virginia. In addition, he currently serves as a caddie at the prestigious Ballyhack Golf Club in Roanoke County.
“Being a caddie is somewhat similar to my career as a teacher and coach in that I’m constantly trying to help those around me achieve the best possible outcome,” he said. ”I know the talent that we have coming back for this season and we have some of the best players, not only in our area, but some of the top junior golfers in the country.”
Hancock is a Tazewell County native who played baseball, basketball, and golf at Tazewell High School before graduating in 2011. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physics with a minor in mathematics from Emory & Henry College in 2014 and later secured his Master of Arts in teaching degree from Liberty University. Before coming to Salem, he taught math and was an assistant golf coach at Franklin County High School.
“Each day I want to help our students achieve their goals in the classroom, on the golf course, and beyond,” Hancock said. “I'm excited to help the talent we have at Salem High School grow and develop, and I look forward to continuing as a math teacher while stepping into this new role as head coach.”
During the winter months you are likely to see Hancock running up and down the hardwood. He officiates basketball games on both the college and high school levels for the USA South, the ODAC, Conference Carolinas, the Appalachian Athletic Conference, and the Virginia High School League.
Hancock and his wife, Jenna, reside in Salem.
Blaine Hancock