Coach Erica Grady, previously known as Erica Still, and the Pierce County High School Girl’s Golf are at it again. There are 5 members, 4 of which compete and travel to tournaments. “We have improved as a team from last year to this year. We have already shaved strokes off our team total in tournaments we played last year.” Says Coach Grady.
Natalee Boatright is the only senior this year, she has lettered all 4 years of high school. Natalee has 2 region championships and a 4th place team finish at state. She has also made the All-Tournament team at region last year. “Golf has been the biggest and most important sport in my life, and I couldn’t imagine what I would’ve turned to, if I hadn’t played. I love that it’s just as much a mental game as it is physical, and tests your discipline, respect, and patience.” Said Natalee, “To keep improving is always a goal. My team holds a very special place in my heart. I can’t wait to see what this season has in store for us.”
Coach Grady encourages the girls to have fun while playing and practicing, but at the same time she wants them to do well, and she ensures that by focusing on short game drills and ways to improve their mistakes. This season practice began on Feb. 16th.
Thus far the Lady Bears have attended the Red Terror Ryder Cup, where they placed 10th out of 46 teams, and they attended the West Hall Invitational, where they placed 11th out of 20 teams. They will travel to Dalton, Georgia and the Blue Devil Invitational. April 11th marks the day the Lady Bears will host their 3rd annual Mattson Parrish Lady Bear Invitational at Lakeview Country Club. This year the girls have a larger and more competitive field. The Mattson Parrish Lady Bear Invitational is done in honor and memory of the late Mrs. Mary Brantley Mattson and Ms. Libby Parrish of Blackshear, Georgia.
“I feel optimistic about this season.” Said Coach Grady, “We are still young but we work very hard. This group has a bright future.” Many things motivate sports teams and for the Lady Bears it is the mere fact that they are so close to a state title. Coach Grady stated “We have advanced our placement in 3A and we know it is very close.”
SE-SP-4.16-Piercegirlsgolf
By Ivy Young
Girl’s Golf
