NORTHFIELD, Vt. – Norwich University Director of Athletics, Ed Hockenbury, announced Tuesday the hiring of John Roberts as the new head coach of the Norwich University men's golf program. Roberts will also join the men's ice hockey coaching staff as an assistant and serve as joint goaltending coach for both the men's and women's hockey programs.

Roberts succeeds Cam Clarke, who led the men's golf team through the last two seasons and recently accepted a coaching position at Cornell University. Roberts takes the reins of a rising golf program that finished fourth at the 2025 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Championships, led by Second Team All-Conference selection and two-sport standout Cooper Bertrand (Caledon, Ont.).

"I am pleased to welcome John Roberts to Norwich University as our next Head Men's Golf Coach, and also as an Assistant with Men's Hockey and Goalie Coach for both Women's and Men's Hockey," said Hockenbury. "John brings a diverse background of experience as a multi-sport coach and former student-athlete. We are fortunate to add to our coaching staff someone of John's character, with such an impressive skill set, who will positively impact student-athletes across three sports.  His recent success working alongside Coach Dawes at Stevenson, combined with his passion for golf and coaching experience at multiple levels, make him a great fit for our department. I look forward to watching John grow our golf program and contribute to both hockey programs as we continue to build on our strong traditions of excellence."

In addition to leading the Cadets on the course, Roberts will bolster the ice hockey bench alongside men's head coach Dominick Dawes '04 and longtime assistant Steve Mattson '77. A former collegiate goaltender, Roberts brings recent NCAA Tournament experience and a strong background in player development, having served as an assistant under Dawes at Stevenson University during the 2024-25 season.

That year, Stevenson reached its first NCAA Tournament in program history, finishing second in the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) in goals against average (2.54), while leading the league in shutouts (4). Roberts helped guide standout netminder Jack Karlsson to MAC Defensive Player of the Year honors and American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) All-America recognition.

"We're excited to welcome John to the Norwich hockey family," Dawes said. "He's a relentless worker with NCAA Tournament experience as both a player and a coach. His knowledge and leadership will be a valuable resource for our players, both on and off the ice."

Roberts joined the Stevenson staff shortly after completing his own collegiate playing career at St. Norbert College, where he appeared in 45 games over three seasons and compiled 25 wins. He began his NCAA career at Division I Northern Michigan University before transferring to St. Norbert, helping the Green Knights to multiple postseason appearances.

A native of Lansdale, Pa., Roberts brings years of experience in both playing and coaching golf. He grew up competing at Pinecrest Country Club and has since held various positions at country clubs throughout Wisconsin, including roles as a youth instructor, groundskeeper, caddie, and course manager.
 
"I am honored and excited to get started as the Assistant Men's Hockey Coach and Head Golf Coach at Norwich University," Roberts said. "Having had the privilege of working with Head Coach Dominick Dawes last year, I am eager to continue working with him here at Norwich University. I look forward to the opportunity to help our athletes' perform to the best of their abilities on the ice, on the golf course, and in the classroom."

Roberts will work closely with All-Conference goaltender Sami Molu (Toronto, Ont.) and GNAC All-Conference defender and golf standout Cooper Bertrand as the Cadets begin preparations for the 2025-26 season.