2026 tennessee state athletics
Hall of Fame

Samuel G. Puryear Jr. has distinguished himself as one of the most influential figures in collegiate golf and a trailblazer whose impact extends far beyond the fairways. A 1992 honors graduate of Tennessee State University and former team captain under Hall of Fame coach Dr. Catana Starks, the first woman to coach a Division I men’s golf program, Puryear helped continue the proud tradition of TSU golf while laying the foundation for an extraordinary career in the sport. Over 25 years in the golf industry and 18 years as a collegiate head coach, Puryear has built a national reputation for excellence at Howard University, Queens University of Charlotte, Michigan State University and Stanford University. In 2008, he made history as the first African American head coach at a Power Five Conference institution when he was hired at Michigan State. His teams have captured an NCAA National Championship, a Big Ten Championship, two HBCU National Championships, multiple conference titles and more than 10 NCAA Regional appearances. Widely recognized for developing student-athletes, Puryear has coached more than 15 players who advanced to PGA Tour events, including a Masters participant and a PGA Tour winner. His coaching excellence has earned numerous Coach of the Year honors, including HBCU Coach of the Year and Northeast Conference Coach of the Year for both men’s and women’s golf during the 2025-26 season. Beyond coaching, Puryear has become a national voice for diversity and opportunity in golf, with his work featured on ESPN, CNN, CBS, ABC, FOX and the PGA Tour. An accomplished author and consultant for the feature film “From the Rough,” Puryear’s career embodies leadership, perseverance and service. His achievements as a student-athlete, coach, mentor and advocate have made him one of Tennessee State University’s most distinguished ambassadors and a transformative figure in the game of golf.