Sam Herrick Named Next Varsity Golf Coach

Sam Herrick has been hired as Nantucket High School's next varsity golf coach, the Nantucket Athletic Department announced on Monday. Herrick, a Nantucket native, has always had a passion for golf and was a standout basketball player for Nantucket High School and Duxbury High School, where he won a state championship in 2006.

“As a former Nantucket Whaler, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to rejoin the NHS community in a coaching role," Herrick told the Current. "Golf is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and it has drawn a lot of attention and excitement, particularly amongst younger generations. There is a lot of interest from middle and high school students on the island, which will no doubt pave the way for many successful seasons to come.”

"Growing up on the 5th hole of Sankaty Head Golf Club on Nantucket, Sam was introduced to the game of golf at a very young age," the athletic department said in a press release. "Herrick spent much of his childhood playing golf alongside his father Hal and brother Tyler (NHS Golf Captain ‘03). Although golf may have been a clear favorite for Sam, it was ultimately basketball he chose to pursue during his college tenure. After graduating from Wentworth Institute of Technology in 2011, Herrick returned to Nantucket where he worked as a fishing captain and a bartender at Cisco Brewers. He is currently in sales and project management for Nantucket Direct Window and Door."

"Sam’s passion for the game of golf grows by the minute. He enjoys practicing, watching, learning, and improving on all aspects of golf. He is eager to share his knowledge and love of the game with the talented students of Nantucket High School."

Herrick will have big shoes to fill, replacing Nate Roberts. Roberts held the position for eight years. He helped grow the program and keep it afloat following a lost season due to the COVID pandemic.

Roberts told the Current this is strictly a family decision and a reflection of where he's at with his priorities at this particular time.

"I’ve got a newborn boy that is 11 weeks old and two daughters that are seven and nine years old that are starting to hit their stride with regular sports and activities and I love attending those events and coaching some along the way," Roberts said. "We are knee deep in little league right now. I’ve also started to play more and more amateur golf tournaments throughout the year and a lot of those are now leading into the fall. After a great meeting with Mr. (Travis) Lombardi and Mr. (David) Webb, I just feel like now is the right time to take a step back."

Roberts said he is still going to work with the team and Herrick, but in a much different role that will be like an assistant/mentor for the kids. Roberts was an assistant for six years in the 2000s.

"It is my goal to return to more of role like that as Sam takes over," Roberts said. "As I take a step back, I couldn’t be happier that someone like Sam is becoming the new head coach. I’ve known Sam since childhood and he’s going to be a perfect fit for the players and this program. So this isn’t goodbye for me, it’s just see you later."