BOCA RATON, Fla. – Mark Leon has been named head men’s golf coach at Florida Atlantic University. FAU Vice President and Director of Athletics Brian White announced the hire Wednesday.
“We’re very excited to have Coach Leon join us in Paradise,” White said. “He really stood out throughout the interview process. We believe he will do a great job connecting with our current student-athletes, as well as having success in recruiting future Owls. Mark’s track record in coaching is outstanding and we’re looking forward to him continuing the upward trajectory of the FAU men’s golf program.”
Leon comes to FAU after serving as an assistant coach at the University of Florida for the past four seasons. At UF, Leon helped lead the Gators to three consecutive NCAA Regional appearances (the 2020 NCAA Championship events were canceled due to COVID-19), and a berth in the 2021 NCAA Championship event. With Leon on staff, he helped coach numerous Gators to All-Southeastern Conference, all-region and All-America honors.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to be the head men’s golf coach at Florida Atlantic University,” Leon said. “Over the past decade I’ve had the opportunity to work with incredible young men who have challenged me to learn and grow as a coach; both at Penn State University and the University of Florida. It’s a dream come true to be able to finally lead my own program.
“I want to thank Coach Nye for giving me the chance to get started in coaching, and all the players at Penn State for trusting me as their coach and friend over the years,” Leon added. “I also want to thank everybody at the University of Florida for allowing me to help lead such a legendary program. Everybody in Gator Nation is so passionate about the golf program, and the experience I’ve gained and relationships I’ve built with these student athletes have certainly prepared me for the road ahead.
“A special thank you to JC Deacon for everything you have done for me,” Leon continued. “Your friendship means more than I’m able to capture in words, and your drive and enthusiasm for coaching have challenged me every day to be better. I’d like to thank Brian White, Mary Giardina, Chris Ryder and everyone at FAU who made this opportunity possible. Your vision for FAU Athletics and passion for the work you are doing was evident immediately.
“Most importantly, thank you to my wife Jaime and my children Cameron and AJ,” Leon added. “You spend so much time without dad and your sacrifice, understanding, and support in embarking on this crazy coaching journey has made all the difference. We are ready to get down to Paradise and meet our new team.”
Leon spent his tenure at UF under the tutelage of head coach JC Deacon, who had nothing but praise for his former assistant.
“Mark Leon has been one of my best friends for more than 20 years,” Deacon said. “You will not find a more loyal person in the entire world. Our players absolutely love Mark and are going to be gutted to see him go. He is built on kindness, integrity, and intelligence. Mark has learned so much over the past decade coaching golf at Penn State and the University of Florida. Our recruiting track record together speaks for itself. He has a plan and is ready to be a head coach. My wife and I are so excited for Jamie, Cameron, AJ, and the entire Leon family. This opportunity has been hard-earned and I can’t wait to watch what he builds at FAU!”
Prior to his stint in Gainesville, Leon was an assistant coach for six seasons at Penn State, his alma mater. Leon helped guide the Nittany Lions to four consecutive NCAA appearances, while coaching 19 all-region selections and a 2017 All-America performer.
Prior to beginning his coaching career, Leon spent four years on the Canadian Tour with two Top 10 finishes. He took fourth place at the 2008 Players Cup and was tied for sixth at the event in 2009.
Leon earned All-Big Ten honors for the Penn State men’s golf team in 2005. He earned GCAA All-America recognition in 2004 and was an all-region selection in 2003, 2004 and 2005. Leon posted a one-under score of 279 (69-69-70-71) at the 2004 NCAA Championships, posting Penn State’s best-ever individual finish, tying for sixth place.
