When it comes to LaGrange College Athletics, Director of Sports Performance Jeff Geeter does it all.
Showcasing remarkable versatility, he has served as Head Men's and Women's Soccer Coach, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Athletics Administration team member and faculty member. He began his journey as a Panther in 1990 and recently celebrated 30 years of service.
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There have been many remarkable people on campus over the last three decades, and Geeter has cemented his legacy among them, said Athletic Trainer Chris Blocker.
"He is a man of high character who loves his colleagues and is a bright spot here at LaGrange College," Blocker said. "He is someone who should be honored and recognized, even though he does not look or ask for it. I am glad I can call him a friend."
Geeter works countless hours, whether it is early in the morning, late at night or on weekends, mostly behind the scenes. He teaches classes, operates the weight room, mentors soccer players and attends sporting events. He was a leader during the COVID-19 pandemic and pivotal in ensuring a safe return to sports for the student-athletes.
"I don't see Jeff as having a job title because it seems he is everywhere and does everything," said Director of Sports Information John Hughes. "I do not think the word 'no' is in his vocabulary because he will help out in any way necessary."
His unselfishness, work ethic and passion for LaGrange Athletics is always on display, according to Assistant Director of Athletics and Head Men's Golf Coach Shannon Lipham.
"On a couple of occasions, he stepped up and drove a bus for different activities," Lipham said. "Geeter has been willing to help in any way possible to make Panther Athletics better."
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Geeter has been described by his colleagues as kind, gentle, calm, collected and professional. He is also funny and a great storyteller, making his office a lively place.
He has always been a lead-by-example type of person and has impacted thousands of young men and women in a positive manner, said Assistant to the Athletic Director/Recreational Coordinator and Assistant Softball Coach Ivy Grant.
"I believe his impact is that he helps our student-athletes grow on and off the field and court," she said. "He is great with motivating the students and pushing them to their greatest potential. You can tell he loves what he is doing, and I cannot wait to see the many more things he will accomplish."
Geeter is certified as a Strength and Conditioning Coach by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He earned a bachelor's degree in health and physical education from Tennessee Wesleyan and a master's degree in sports medicine from the United States Sports Academy.
He spent 24 seasons from 1990-2013 as the head LC men's soccer coach. Under Geeter, the Panthers produced three all-region players, 20 all-conference players and five Academic All-Americans. He coached both the men's and women's teams at LaGrange from 1990 to 1997 and again from 2002 to 2008. He ranks first in school history in men's (105) and women's (82) wins.
"He has been extremely loyal to the LaGrange College Athletics department," said Assistant Football Coach Jarred Rutherford. "He is knowledgeable about his job and has a passion for LC."
Geeter guided the 1993 men's team to a 10-7 record and a runner-up finish in the NAIA District 25 playoffs. The 10 wins are tied for the third most in a single season in Panther men's soccer history.
"He taught me how to become a better coach through his actions and leadership," said Head Men's Soccer Coach Ryan Dickson. "He is personable, knowledgeable and always willing to help."
Geeter was the head men's and women's coach at his alma mater of Tennessee Wesleyan from 1986 until accepting the Panther head job in 1990.
He started his collegiate playing career at Andrew College in Cuthbert, Georgia, before attending the University of Alabama in Huntsville, then transferring to Tennessee Wesleyan.
Geeter was an all-conference, all-district, all-area and NAIA All-American selection at Tennessee Wesleyan. He was the team's Most Valuable Defensive Player as a goalkeeper, leading Tennessee Wesleyan to the biggest turnaround in school history with a 17-4 record. It was a 12-win improvement from the previous year. Geeter was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at Tennessee Wesleyan in 2002.
Geeter is married to Dianne Frazier, and they have a son, Zac.
Assistant Sports Information Director Trevor Wenners can be reached at twenners@lagrange.edu.
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