Spears and Kennedy Won 2026 Stewart Gregory Award
The Bluegrass Golf Foundation honored the coaches for their leadership in Kentucky high school golf.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Golf
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Justin Spears and Missy Kennedy have been named the 2026 recipients of the Stewart Gregory Award. The Bluegrass Golf Foundation established this honor to recognize coaches who inspire, challenge, and build successful teams.
Why it matters
The foundation recognizes high school golf coaches for their commitment to supporting student-athletes both on and off the course. This award celebrates the enduring legacy of Stewart Gregory by honoring current mentors.
Justin Spears has led the Warren East golf program since 2020, while Missy Kennedy has served as the head coach at Boyd County High School for seven years. Between them, the coaches have mentored dozens of players, including nine individuals who qualified for KHSAA State Championship competition.
The players
Justin Spears
He is the head golf coach at Warren East High School and serves as an assistant athletic director.
Missy Kennedy
She has dedicated seven years to coaching the golf program at Boyd County High School.
Bluegrass Golf Foundation
This organization promotes the sport of golf across Kentucky and administers the annual Stewart Gregory Award.
The details
The Bluegrass Golf Foundation presents the award during an annual banquet held as part of the Bluegrass Cup festivities. The honor focuses on coaches who emphasize character development, encouragement, and team building among student-athletes.
Timeline
Justin Spears began coaching the Warren East golf team in 2020.
Missy Kennedy has served seven years as head coach at Boyd County High School.
The 2026 Stewart Gregory Award recipients were announced.
An awards banquet will take place on October 24, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The Stewart Gregory Award highlights the critical role of mentorship within the Kentucky high school sports landscape. By anchoring this honor to the Bluegrass Cup, the foundation reinforces the link between local coaching excellence and the broader development of the state's golf pipeline.
High school student-athletes at Warren East and Boyd County gain recognition through the achievements of their respective head coaches. These accolades provide a boost to the programs' reputations and serve as a benchmark for student success in upcoming KHSAA qualifying events.
The takeaway
Effective coaching requires a balance of technical instruction and long-term mentorship of student-athletes. These awards illustrate how dedicated leaders can shape the trajectory of youth sports programs across the state.
What happens next
The recipients will be formally honored at an awards banquet scheduled for October 24, 2026, at the Crowne Plaza-Sloan Convention Center.
Further reading
For more on the latest developments in the region, visit Golf.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bowling Green Daily News.
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