GGC Names College's First Athletics Director

 took a major step towards  with the announcement of Dr. Darin Wilson as its first athletics director.

Wilson comes to GGC in Lawrenceville after serving as athletic director at Union College in Barbourville, KY. His 18-year connection at Union began when he was a student-athlete. Wilson then became a baseball coach and ultimately the athletic director in 2003.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to build an athletics program from the ground up,” Wilson said in a press release. “I am most excited to develop a program that will be integrated with GGC’s emphasis on learning and leadership. This program will be conducted with the highest level of integrity, putting academics first while competing for championships in all sports.” 

Among his honors, Wilson was named Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Athletic Director of the Year three times in 2008, 2009 and 2011. He also serves as the vice-president of the AAC. In the 2009-10 school year, Union College won its first AAC Duard Walker All-Sports Trophy. 

With Wilson serving as the athletic director, Union College won 37 AAC regular-season and tournament championships, four Midwest Collegiate Cycling Conference titles and six NAIA Region XII championships.

Wilson hopes to bring those winning ways to the Grizzlies, who plan to apply for membership in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

“The Grizzlies will be competitive across the board, including on a national level, very quickly,” said Wilson. “Our coaches will motivate and inspire our athletes be the best they can be, which includes helping them to grow and develop personally. I plan to move quickly in hiring great coaches and organizing our program so we can be ready to field competitive teams next year.”  

“There is no doubt that Darin is the right person to kick start the Grizzlies’ new intercollegiate athletics program, and we are truly excited to have him join the Georgia Gwinnett team,” said GGC President Daniel J. Kaufman. “Varsity sports will enhance the college’s vision of a fully integrated educational experience. Students who are engaged in college stay in college, and this new level of athletics will provide even more incentive for students to get involved, stay in school and graduate.”

GGC plans to begin intercollegiate men’s baseball, men’s soccer, men’s tennis, women’s soccer, women’s softball and women’s tennis in the 2012-13 school year. Men’s basketball, women’s basketball and women’s volleyball are expected to take to the court in 2013-2014.

Construction of new athletic facilities for the campus could begin in a matter of weeks, pending approval from the Board of Regents.

Wilson and his family plan to relocate to the area in mid-August. His appointment as GGC athletic director was announced July 28.