Former Buccaneer All-American returns to helm #1 Barry
Barry University has named former Buccaneer All-American Carlos Velez as its new head men’s golf coach, Director of Athletics Michael Covone announced today. Carlos returns to Miami Shores after a successful career in many aspects of the golf industry.
Velez takes over one of the premier men’s golf programs in NCAA Division II. Barry is currently ranked #1 in the BUSHNELL/GOLFWEEK Division II Coaches Poll. The Bucs have three NCAA Division II national championships, two NCAA South Region titles and five Sunshine State Conference tournament championships. Since 2004, the Bucs have had 49 Golf Coaches Association of America PING All-Americans and 23 All-American Scholars.
“I’m thrilled and excited to be able to continue the culture that I was part of starting as a freshman in 2006,” Velez said. “I can’t wait to be able to continue to keep adding to the history and success of this program. I want to thank Mike Covone and Dr. (Scott) Smith for trusting the direction of the men’s golf program in my hands and allowing me to come back home.”
Velez was a member of Barry’s first men’s golf championship team in 2007 as a freshman. He went on to earn GCAA All-America honors in 2009 and 2010, added Scholar All-America awards those seasons as well. A three-time All-SSC golfer, he won the individual medal at the 2010 SSC Tournament. A remarkably consistent player, he saw his score counted for the team score 118 times in 134 career rounds, which is still the second-most in program history.
In addition to his athletic and academic accomplishments at Barry, he was also one of the most courteous players in program history. He was the recipient of the team’s sportsmanship award as a junior and senior, after which the award was renamed in his honor.
He has over 20 years experience as an assistant golf professional in Miami at Miccosukee Golf & Country Club and International Links Miami. He played on the PGA Tour Latinoamerica and caddied on the PGA Tour for Erik Compton. Since 2012, he has been a certified coach with First Tee, and has served on the board of the Dade Amateur Golf Association. He served as the tournament director for First Tee’s Miami Doral Junior Golf Classic since 2015.
Velez graduated from Barry with a degree in sport management/golf industry with a minor in business in 2010.
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