Tanna Phares '23 Recruiting Profile

I started playing golf at the age of seven. I come from a family of golfers. My Dad played at the Division II level for Northern State University. My sister played #1 on her NCAA Division II school Black Hills State University. Currently, my older brother plays at the NAIA level for Dakota Wesleyan University. This past summer I played with my brother in the state SDGA Adult Junior State Championship. We finished runner up with a 74. The format was alternate shot for nine holes and chapman for the other nine. This summer I placed 4th in the 16 to 18 age group at the SDGA State Junior Tournament. I was the SDGA State Junior Champion at age 12. I  play the #1 position on my high school varsity golf team. I have played at the varsity level since 7th grade. My scores have allowed me to be a part of many final pairings where I have had the opportunity to play with kids that have signed with Division I and II schools.  As a sophomore, I played in the final group during the South Dakota State Girls Championship and placed 7th shooting a 76-81=157.  This summer I competed in a golf series called the Sanford Tour. The courses were 6,000 yards in length like many college courses.  I place 3rd and runner-up and was invited to the Sanford Tour series championship. My mom also played basketball at the NAIA level for Chadron State College on a full ride scholarship.

Golf is the perfect fit for my personality. It requires so much resilience and grit. One of my biggest strengths is my work ethic. I constantly strive to do my best in sports, music, and the classroom. I have spent countless hours fine tuning my swing, preparing for the next solo, and studying for the next exam. Another asset I posses is my willingness to go above and beyond. I am willing to put the extra time in the off season exercising on my own. I am fortunate to be able to have private lessons with a golf instructor. I listen and do the skills and drills necessary to continue to improve my game. Finally, I am a competitor. I want to be the number one player on my team and currently fill that role. I set goals and have high standards for continual improvement. I am constantly seeking to find ways to get better physically, mentally, and emotionally to be able to reach my full potential.

Golf is my #1 sport, but I have explored many sports while growing up.  I wasn’t always the most talented player on those other sport teams. However, one common theme with all the sports I tried is that my coaches recognized my leaderships qualities. These qualities included the ability to encourage my teammates and lift their spirits. I possess a very outgoing personality, so it has always been easy for me to talk to people of various generations and diverse backgrounds. My coaches and teammates often trust me with added responsibilities because they know I will follow through and make sure things are completed on a timely basis. When given a problem to solve I am very conscientious and careful with my decisions. Finally, I believe my capacity to show kindness and compassion allows me to create peace within my team. My teammates and friends have often looked to me as a role model and often push me to take the lead at school, on the golf course, and in life.

 I am a strong student athlete. I currently have a 4.0 grade point average. I do not shy away from taking the challenging classes. I have taken AP courses in Math and English. I have also taken Spanish for three years. I have taken advanced orchestra every year in High School and have been selected to All-State orchestra every year. I plan on taking some duel credit courses in my final years in High School to better prepare me for higher education.  I strongly believe keeping my life well balanced is healthy. I play golf, play the violin, exercise regularly, attend church, work a summer job, and surround myself with quality friends and a supportive family. All these things require excellent time management skills.  I know these skills will help me be more successful at the collegiate level.

Tanna Phares