CONGRATULATIONS to Norah Catlin, for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.
Catlin, a senior at Wiregrass Ranch High School, picked up the sport of golf at the young age of 4, and has racked up quite the impressive resume of achievements since then.
She has been named the Greater Tampa Junior Golf Association’s player of the year, has won countless junior tournaments, qualified for the Drive, Chip and Putt Championships at the Masters — all of this was before her freshman year of high school.
When Catlin showed up for Wiregrass Ranch High School girls golf tryouts in 2017, it wasn’t long before coach Jeremy Calzone realized a special talent had entered the program.
“She’s definitely by far the best (player) we’ve had,” Calzone said.
Catlin is a three-time Sunshine Athletic Conference Player of the Year and four-time state qualifier.
This year, Catlin finished 30th at the Florida High School Athletic Association State tournament at Mission Inn in Lake County. Last year she tied for 17th.
Catlin hopes her accomplishments inspire her younger teammates and the next generation of female golfers: “Honestly, I really hope somebody sees what I’ve done and wants to beat it, because that’s how you get better.”
One of the top students in her senior class with a 4.5 GPA who takes a heavy dose of Advanced Placement (AP) and dual-enrollment classes, Catlin aspires to study political science in college and attend law school. She also is passionate about environmental issues, recently completing an online environmental justice fellowship amid the pandemic. Studying abroad in Russia and becoming fluent in the language are some other goals of hers.
Whatever Catlin winds up doing, Catlin’s high school coach is sure she’ll find success.
“She’s just a great, all-around person,” Calzone said.
In either case, golf will still be a lifelong hobby for Catlin, whether she’s playing competitively or not.
“It’s definitely going to be in my life, probably for the rest of my life,” Catlin said.
Published February 17, 2021
