Parrish Community Student First in School History to Advance to Golf State Tournament

A little more than a year after opening its doors to students, the trophy cases at Parrish Community High School remain empty, but that could change soon. 

When Parrish golf coach Erin Lisch first saw Tabitha Hanely swing a club, she knew she hit the jackpot.

Hanely has been playing golf competitively for about two and a half years. In that short time, she has developed a knack for hitting big shots.

It’s a trait that earned her a special nickname from her head coach and teammates.

“We call her clutch for a reason because she goes under pressure and she can handle it. A lot of people can’t, but she can on the course,” Lisch said.

Hanely’s calm demeanor was on full display during last month’s regional meet. The 17-year-old sank a 21 foot putt on her final hole to clinch a spot in the state tournament. 

“When I sunk that putt, I completely lost it, I thought I was going to pass out. Just because my goal this year was to go to states and I made it, it was amazing,” Hanely said.

“She got on the green, her chip wasn’t the best so she was up there for that 20 foot something putt and I’m watching it. Then she starts walking and following it and I’m like, it’s not even there yet. And it sinks and I said ‘oh my god’ and then collapsed on the ground,” Lisch added.

That putt not only helped Hanely qualify for state, it also marked a first for Parrish Community High School.

“It’s the first student ever in our school’s history to advance to state so kind of neat to see her make that little step in Parrish Community’s history,” Lisch said.

Hanely said “It’s a great feeling to be the first at something. If there was any school I wanted to represent, I want it to be Parrish because it’s just one of the best high school experiences I’ve ever had all because of coach Erin and the girls on the team.”