Golf Coach Tara Boone Balances Busy Schedule, Coaching
Noah Tong
With the fall schedules wrapping up, head men’s and women’s golf coach Tara Boone reflected on the positive, yet chaotic, season.
“It’s been really tough to balance my time, but I’ve gotten a little bit better with it,” Boone explained. “I work fulltime at Huntington North High School and also am getting my Masters in Athletic Administration at the same time.
“So, my time is either spent at work, practice or doing class work for my Masters,” Bonne continued. “I truly believe without playing a sport in college I wouldn’t have good time management skills.”
The women’s team experienced several successes this season, including placing fourth at the Bluffton University Invitation. Meanwhile, the men’s team, led by Connor Labedz, defeated Anderson University in match play.
“Both teams were very consistent during the fall,” Boone said. “We faced many challenges, such as weather, but I thought the teams responded well.
“Most matches are on the weekend,” Boone continued. “We are usually at the golf course six to eight hours depending on shotgun start or tee times. Typical tournaments are played on Saturday and Sundays.”
Despite the grueling schedule that is demanded of her, Boone appreciates the opportunity to work with both teams, as she knew she wanted to make a career out of coaching.
“My interest in golf came from my dad,” Boone explained. “When I was younger I played other sports, but once I got into the eighth grade he wanted me to switch to a non-contact sport.”
Boone proceeded to play four years at Huntington North High School. She later attended Indiana University to play on the golf team for two years before concluding her collegiate golf days at IUPUI. Her coaching career began with the local Squires at Manchester High School. Once the coaching position at Manchester opened up, she knew she wanted to try her luck at coaching at the next level.
“The previous golf coach at the university contacted me to let me know he was leaving, and that I should apply for the position,” Boone said. “I enjoy being around the sport even when I am not playing.” This is the seventh year Boone has led the Spartans.
“The most challenging part of coaching at Manchester is I am only a part-time coach,” Boone continued. “I work off-campus at Huntington North. It can be difficult sometimes being a coach off-campus and not being visible.”
Both teams practice Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at Honeywell Golf Course located in Wabash, Ind.
“My hobbies and interests are centered around golf,” she said. “When I am not in season, I play golf with my family. I also enjoy going to different vacation spots and concerts each year.”
Boone has a mother named Terri, a brother named Derek, a sister-in-law named Stacey, and a niece named Malia.