JESSICA PARKER
RiverHawks Women’s Golf
Gather Here, Go Far…a marketing phrase of Northeastern State University that emphasizes it as a place where students start their journey for success. For Jessica Parker, a member of the RiverHawks women’s golf team, the path down the fairway toward success continues to create leaderboard score card results.
“I grew up in Bentham, a small town in England where I first learned to play golf at the age of seven with the help of my dad and granddad. I went on to win multiple club competition events as well as compete on an elite level in national events, explained the NSU senior when recalling her travels on the road to Tahlequah. “A recruiting group in England opened the doors to my chances to come to the United States to play the game I love. I owe thanks to coach (Scott) Varner and the opportunities for college students at NSU to put me on my pathway to life’s success.”
An individual tournament title and team best stroke average in her junior season included All-MIAA conference honors on the golf course while Parker’s focused academic efforts placed her name on the WGCA All-American Scholar list as well as the MIAA Honor Roll.
“I’m a proactive type person, always thinking ahead, 100 percent committed to making my next shot count, on the golf course as well as in the classroom,” said Parker.
Describing her educational opportunities at NSU as a perfect fit, Parker says her experiences are made better everyday by the family relationships she has established with her teammates, coach Varner and professors on the Tahlequah campus in pursuit of a marketing degree, which will culminate with graduation this December.
“Everyone is so friendly and helpful including my professors who are always eager to help with answers to my questions. The hybrid class structure in and out of the classroom fits the demands of my daily to do list,” said Parker. “The overall experience has given me a new family filled with lifelong friendships to help me to stay focused on the bigger picture.”
After graduation, Parker’s game plan includes matching her golf talents and love for marketing with a career on the professional golf tours.
“Golf and everyday life present many of the same challenges. For any student looking for the rewards of the overall college experience and everyday help to open doors for future success, NSU is the place to come. As we say around Tahlequah, everything here is Okie-Dokie.”
