Coaches

Chris Ballauer

Head Coach – 2nd Season

Alma Mater:  Georgia Southwestern State University

cballauer@southgatech.edu

229-931-2596

Chris Ballauer is entering his 10th season at South Georgia Technical College after an initial year as interim head coach is now entering his 2nd year as Head Coach. He joined the coaching staff as an assistant coach for the Lady Jets in 2013, helping them begin their GCAA conference championship win streak.  In 2014, Chris moved to the men’s side and has been an integral part of the program ever since. He holds an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from Coastal Georgia Community College as well as a Bachelor of Science in Education of Exercise Science and Wellness from Georgia Southwestern State University.

A native of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Chris graduated from Central Gwinnett High School and went on the play basketball for the Brunswick Junior College Mariners.   There he played for GCAA Hall of Fame Coach Gerald Cox and Assistant Coach James Frey.  He later served as a coach along side those two mentors for 14 years.  Their teams averaged 20 wins each season, winning a conference championship and going to the national tournament in 2002.

Along with his basketball duties, Chris also serves as an instructor in the Sports and Fitness Management program.

Chris currently resides in Americus with his wife, Ivy, and their 3 children, Hutch, Layla and Lindi.

Karim Mawuenyega

Assistant Coach – 1st Season

Alma Mater:  University of Arkansas Montevallo

karim.mawuenyega@southgatech.edu

229-931-2025

Karim Mawuenyega joined the Jets staff on June 13, 2022 and comes to South Georgia Tech after a two-year stint at Brewton Parker College in Mt. Vernon, Georgia. At Brewton Parker, Mawuenyega was an assistant coach for their 2020-21 season and then was named Interim Head Coach for the 2021-22 season.

Mawuenyega began his college career at the University of South Carolina Upstate in 2013. He had a prominent role right away playing backup point guard and became a starter later in the season. His freshman season he helped the Spartans reach the semifinals of the conference tournament.

A back injury would sideline Mawuenyega for his sophomore season leading to surgery and a medical red shirt. This is when he first discovered his passion for coaching as he still helped the team from the sideline. Mawuenyega then transferred to GCAA foe South Georgia State College and again led his team to the semifinals of the conference tournament.

Upon receiving his Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, he would then continue his education and basketball careers at the University of Arkansas Monticello. His junior year, he led the team to a school record 14-0 start but later lost in the conference championship. They went on to receive an at-large bid to the DII national tournament. Mawuenyega received second team All-GAC (Great American conference) and All-Tournament honors.

He graduated from Arkansas-Monticello with a degree in physical education and would go on to play professionally overseas in Salamanca, Spain but only for a year as he saw his playing career cut short due to the Covid pandemic.

What they are saying about Coach Mawuenyega:

Former USC Upstate Assistant Coach and current Limestone College Head Coach Kyle Perry

“Karim is a great young man who has already had success as a player and coach. He understands the game and his past as a point guard and team leader will continue to serve him in the coaching industry. I look forward to seeing what he does for the Jets!”

Former University of Arkansas Monticello and current UT Permian Basin Head Coach Kyle Tolin

“Karim had a tremendous two-year career at UAM. He helped turn our program around and take it to new heights. He was a two-time member of the Great American All Conference team and a fantastic leader. There is no doubt in my mind that he has what it takes to be that successful as a coach as wel. I’m excited to see what he does at an already established and successful program like South Georgia Tech.”