The Corner Canyon High School girls golf team has only had two coaches since the school opened in 2013. 

Until now. 

Draper’s Cody Nesbit will take over this spring for a program that has won three state titles – including the school’s first state title in any sport in 2016 – and had six top-five finishes. The only year the Chargers were outside of those ranks was its first season when they placed 14th at the 4A tournament.

“We are excited to have Cody as our new golf coach for the girls,” said CCHS Athletic Director Patrick Thurman. “He brings nearly 20 years of experience in coaching various sports, he is incredibly organized, and I believe he is going to continue the tradition of keeping our program among the best in the state. The girls are in great hands, and I’m looking forward to this era of golf.”

“It’s been humbling to be named the head coach,” Nesbit said. “Coach [Alexis] Gagon [who coached the last five seasons] was so liked and put together a great team with great culture. I was sad to see her step down this year. I just hope to put together a positive team culture and do everything I can to help these student-athletes get better, play competitively and enjoy their time playing golf for CCHS. My job will be to put together an organized program where they can excel and have fun.”

Nesbit, a teacher at Alta High School, played high school golf in Springville and has fond memories of his time on the Hobble Creek Golf Course. “I loved playing sports in high school and loved the relationships made while playing,” he said. 

Nesbit has enjoyed the switch to coaching high school sports in watching his athletes excel on and off the playing field. For the past 12 years, he has coached the boys golf team at Alta – and will continue in that role. He has also previously been the Hawks JV baseball coach, during the 2008-18 seasons. 

“I love high school sports and have always loved golf,” he said. “I wanted to coach golf because I wanted players to enjoy being on a team and love the game of golf. It’s been fun practicing and watching student-athletes perform on the course these last many years.”

The 22-year Draper resident said, “It starts with building relationships with these student-athletes, creating a team culture of practicing with purpose and being prepared to complete on the course. I want them to build confidence in their game and navigating the golf course. Most importantly I want every student-athlete to leave the program to have great memories about their experience in high school golf.”

Nesbit’s daughter Grace, who is a freshman at Corner Canyon, will be a member of the golf team this spring which added intrigue to taking the head coach position. 

“Being part of Grace’s high school golf experience was too hard to pass on,” Nesbit said. “I followed her around the course as she’s played in junior events and have loved being a part of girls golf and seeing how good these girls are! I’ve also been able to build relationships with girls she has played with over the years. I’m excited to do my very best to help all girls at CCHS have a great high school golf experience in competing and loving the sport. Go Chargers!” 

Nesbit will be assisted on the coaching staff by fellow Alta High teacher Courtney Merrill, who has also been helping on his Alta boys golf team the past four seasons. “She brings a lot of coaching experience in a lot of different high school sports,” Nesbit said. λ