Athlete Feature: Hanna McCarthy

By: Rayne Glover/Junior Writer and Social Media Director and Kayla Blaisure/ Junior WriterHanna McCarthy is a sophomore this year at Blue Ridge. She decided to change her usual fall plans and join the golf this year; making her the only girl on the team. A couple journalism members decided to ask her a few questions.

Raider Reader: What made you start playing golf?

Hanna McCarthy: I simply just liked the idea, I started playing a couple games with my Dad, then told James Barbour I was interested but I also had no idea what I was getting myself into. James later that day texted coach Galloway and let him know there was possibility to have another girl on the team since Gwen played in 2018. Coach invited me to an open gym where I went and fell in love with the environment and the sport. I love challenging myself to things I would never think of going or being apart of and this was one of those crazy spontaneous ideas I had.

RR: Are you looking to accomplish a specific goal?

HM: Currently I don’t have any specific goals to accomplish, but I would love to keep learning and absorb as much knowledge from coach Galloway and all of the boys I can. Coach was always my #1 supporter, he was always there to answer any questions I had, and help me pick on the boys as much as they picked on me.

RR: Have you learned anything from golf that you can carry on to other aspects in life? (Such as teamwork, social skills, etc)

HM: In a team with all boys, they definitely aren’t afraid to tell you the truth. I have learned to take criticism positively and to always be open to the idea of change. Golf is a very popular sport to be played at many business meetings to build relationships with further coworkers, my mom says she wished she learned how to play golf when she was younger.

RR: Do you want to continue playing or did you join the team just to try something different?

HM: I am going to continue to play golf through my high school career, I have learned to much just in one season I can’t wait to see what I can in three! I encourage other girls to join me, it was an amazing learning experience that has taught me so much. I didn’t just learn how to play the game, I learned how to approach a new challenge without being afraid.

RR: What is it like being the only girl on the team?

HM: At first I was terrified of course, but all the boys ever wanted to do was constantly help me! I have learned so much in a couple months, from not knowing was a tee was called to having coach tell me I was one of his fastest learners he’s ever taught. I have built amazing relationships with people I would have never had exposure to.

RR:Do you have anything to say to younger girls looking into playing golf?

HM: Don’t be scared. You will love it! At the first thought of being on an all boys team and not knowing a thing about golf scared me to death, but you can never fail if you give it your all! The night before my first open gym, I turned to my dad and asked him “What are those little white things that prop up the ball called again?” My dad replied with “Hanna I hope you’re joking right now”, and I definitely wasn’t. But, it didn’t matter that I was clueless because all I needed to do was open my ears and I never had to worry about not knowing a thing. The boys on the team always kept me on my toes.

As you can see, Hanna can’t wait for more seasons with her team. She has learned so much this year, and hopes to carry on playing in her remaining years in high school.