COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – Former All-American Casey Vangsness '14 was announced as the new head golf coach at Saint John's University on Tuesday, June 30. 

Vangsness has served as the lead instructor at Swedberg Golf Academy in his hometown of Alexandria, Minn., since December 2024 and was the head golf professional at Minnewaska Golf Club in Glenwood, Minn., from 2020 to 2024. 

Prior to those positions, Vangsness was the assistant golf professional at Minneapolis Golf Club (2018) and at Minnewaska G.C. (2017). He also served as an assistant coach at SJU during the 2016-17 season.

"Having experienced firsthand what makes Saint John's so special as a student-athlete, I am now honored to lead the golf program as its head coach," Vangsness said. "SJU's golf tradition runs deep with an exceptional group of proud alumni. My vision is to build on that foundation and attract, recruit and develop outstanding student-athletes who love to compete.

"I'm really looking forward to meeting all the guys and preparing for the fall season."

During his own career with the Johnnies, Vangsness was a two-time Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) All-American, the 2011 GCAA Region Freshman of the Year and a GCAA All-Region selection all four years. He was the 2011 MIAC Freshman of the Year and the MIAC Player of the Year as a senior in 2014. 

Vangsness is one of only three Johnnies (Sammy Schmitz '03 and Sam Berger '24) to finish in the top 10 at the MIAC Championship all four of their years in the program.

He is second in program history with seven tournament wins, third with 94 career rounds played and seventh with an .837 winning percentage (a 2,860-555 head-to-head record). Vangsness ended his career sixth in program history with a 74.71 scoring average (and is now still 11th).

"We are thrilled to welcome Casey back to Saint John's as our head golf coach," said Dan O'Brien, SJU's director of athletics. "His connection to this university, combined with his passion for the program, make him an outstanding fit to lead Johnnie golf. 

"Casey brings tremendous energy, a deep understanding of the game and the competitive drive to continue moving our program forward. We believe his knowledge, leadership and commitment to developing young men will resonate with current and future Johnnies and continue the proud tradition of Saint John's golf."

Vangsness was a member of two MIAC championship teams (2010, 2013) and three NCAA tournament teams: 2011 (third place), 2013 (sixth place) and 2014 (15th). Individually, he finished 36th (+13) over four rounds at nationals in 2011, 22nd (+13) in 2013 and 25th (+12) in 2014. Vangsness became the seventh Johnnie golfer to earn first-team All-American honors in 2013 and was All-American honorable mention in 2014.

He has eight professional wins within the Minnesota PGA Section.

Vangsness replaces Chris Howe '99, who left in May after three seasons to be the hockey director for the Fargo (N.D.) Youth Hockey Association.