John Maupin was named Lee University Athletic Director in June of 2023 after an outstanding coaching career as the Director of Golf with Lee, including winning the first NCAA D2 National Championship in school history in 2022.
Maupin came to Lee in 2008 after a decorated playing career with Berry College from 2003-2007. He served as a team captain and was named to the Dean's List in 2007. Maupin was selected to multiple All-Conference and All-Region teams and guided the Vikings to three National Tournament appearances.
As a coach, Maupin has led his Flames and Lady Flames to a dominating run of success over his 15 years as head coach. After several conference titles and national tournament appearances in the NAIA, Maupin's teams have continued their run of excellence in the NCAA and the Gulf South Conference. The Lady Flames have won three GSC titles and made two National Championship appearances while the Flames capped off an amazing 2022 postseason run by winning the NCAA DII National Championship, the first team title in any sport for Lee since joining the NCAA. The Flames won the South Region title in 2021 and are the only program to make three straight appearances in NCAA National Championship Match Play, after a quarterfinal berth this past season.
"When a leader the caliber of Larry Carpenter steps away, we are blessed to have someone like Coach John Maupin to step in as the next Athletic Director of Lee University," said Lee University President, Dr. Mark Walker. "Coach Maupin has already had a distinguished career at Lee, establishing himself as a true servant leader who is dedicated to the spiritual, academic, athletic, and leadership development of our student athletes. He is highly respected by his peers inside and outside of Lee. We welcome Coach Maupin as our new athletic director, and we have full confidence that he will continue to build the tradition of excellence that is Lee University Athletics."
Maupin expressed his gratitude to Dr. Walker and his immense respect for Coach Carpenter, "I want to thank Dr. Walker for the opportunity to lead the Lee University Athletic Department. Lee University is truly home for me and my family, and over the last 15 years this university and its mission have captured our hearts. I can't wait to get started! On a personal note, it is humbling for me to take over for Larry Carpenter. He took a chance on me as a young coach 15 years ago, and since that time I have had a front row seat to watch him lead this department with integrity and wisdom every day, culminating in one of the best NCAA DII athletic departments in the country. He has been a great leader, friend, and mentor to me, and I will forever be grateful. I certainly can't replace him, but I will do everything I can to build on the foundation he has laid."
Maupin went on to praise the staff and coaches that he will now lead, "In taking this position, I instantly think about the staff members and coaches that I will have the opportunity to go to work for every day. These are people that have a true commitment to Lee University and our culture; a commitment to excellence and a commitment to the Lord in all that we do. I don't think there is a person on this staff that I haven't learned from during my time here. I am looking forward to coming alongside them and supporting them in any way that I can."
John and his wife Jayne have three children Addie 8, Jackson 6, and Annie 3. Jayne was a successful collegiate golfer at Berry College. She is currently an Instructional Coach at Ocoee Middle School.
"I have a tremendous respect for the history of Lee University Athletics. It has been and is a place for high level student-athletes to thrive both, academically and athletically. I don't want that to ever change," added Maupin. "Our alumni and current-student athletes have created something to truly be proud of, and building upon that will be a constant motivator for me. There is a bright future ahead for Lee Athletics. Go Flames!"
