Lainey Panter was joined by friends and family as she decided to further her academic and athletic career Wednesday, February 10, by signing a scholarship to play golf at the University of North Georgia (UNG).
Her father, Kevin Panter, said, “I want to thank all of you all for being here today for Lainey’s special day, we are very honored as her parents to be here today for this. She has worked hard and we are very proud of her.”
Panter’s previous coach, David Dyer, who could not be in attendance, wrote a letter saying, “Congratulations to Lainey, she is well deserving of this opportunity to compete at the division two level at the University of North Georgia. Her hard work and dedication in the sport of golf has definitely paid off. During her freshman and sophomore seasons, she led our girls’ golf team and qualified as an individual at the GHSA State Championships each year. I wish Lainey the best and hope she never loses the drive that has allowed her this opportunity.”
Fannin Golf Coach Brian Richerson said, “Today is a special day for Lainey and the Panter family.
“Lainey has accomplished so much in her high school golf career, and to be able to top it off by signing today with UNG is a great accomplishment. I have had the privilege to coach Lainey a short period of time, but can tell you she is not only an outstanding golfer, but also an outstanding person and student.
“She is the true definition of a student athlete. We are so proud and happy for you Lainey, and wish you nothing but great success at UNG.”
Janet Wooten, former golfer for the University of Auburn and Lady Rebels Assistant Golf Coach said, “Panter started playing golf when she was 13 years old, and had a nine hole score of 64. In five years she has gone from a score of 64 on nine holes, to an average of 78 or 79 on 18 holes. This girl has put in a lot of dedication to the game of golf, because it takes a lot. She qualified for the Georgia State Tournament her freshman and sophomore year, and would have been there last year too if it had not been canceled. Throughout her career she has played in several junior tour tournaments across the southeast.”
Panter will join the UNG team following her graduation.