Women's Golf Signs Samantha Paradise And Tylar Whiting
11/14/2024 5:48:00 PM | Women's Golf
MACON, Ga. – Mercer women's golf head coach Michele Drinkard has announced the signing of two golfers to the Bears' 2025 recruiting class in Samantha Paradise and Tylar Whiting. Paradise and Whiting are currently teammates at one of the best Junior College women's golf programs in the country in Daytona State College.
Last year, the duo along with current Mercer Bear Analiese Raath, helped Daytona State win the 2024 NJCAA National Championship. It was the program's 11th NJCAA National Championship and first since 2018. Paradise and Whiting finished tied for ninth respectively on the individual leaderboard. Daytona State made history on its way to winning the national championship as the Lady Falcons set a new scoring record with an unprecedented 6-under, 1,162 on the par 73 course. It marked the first time a team scored under par in the history of the women's national tournament.
Following their national championship run, Paradise finished last season ranked sixth nationally and Whiting finished the year ranked fifth nationally. Both Paradise and Whiting have continued their stellar play through the 2024 fall season, with Paradise currently the second highest ranked player in the NJCAA.
"Samantha & Tylar are a great addition to our program not only as players but excel academically as well," said coach Drinkard. "They both bring with them a championship mentality and will fit right into our culture of excellence. As proven by her 11 National Championships, Coach Brown does an excellent job recruiting players at Daytona State and has her team ready to compete every year for a National Championship. Looking forward to Samantha and Tylar teeing it up as bear next fall."
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SAMANTHA PARADISE BIO
"There are a few things that I considered when I was making my decision on what school I would like to continue my academic and athletic career. Aspects like the coach, the academic programs offered, the team, and the golf were deciding factors. I wanted to go somewhere that would help me become a better person, get an incredible education, and get better at the sport that I love.
Weighing all my options, the answer I would always conclude was Mercer. It was an easy pick. Coach Drinkard is an incredible coach that has created an incredible golf program at Mercer University and when I was given the opportunity to play for her, I wanted to take it immediately. Along with the golf, Mercer University is known to have amazing business programs, which line up with my intended major in business marketing. I don't know what I want to do after college, but going to Mercer gives me a sense of peace knowing that great opportunities will come out of being a mercer alumnus and I know that it will set me up for success no matter what I choose to do once my golf career is over."
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TYLAR WHITING BIO
"Honestly what drew me to continue my academic and golf career at Mercer University was Coach Drinkard. She really showed me what the program can offer to improve my golf game and my future aspirations. She also made me feel comfortable and safe knowing I would be moving away from my family but also creating that team atmosphere and support group still in Georgia.
I one day want to be a golf coach, and I could tell that Mercer University and Coach Drinkard could benefit me. I plan on getting my bachelor's degree in business management and knowing how great of a business school Mercer is was another reason I knew continuing my career there would be the best option. My final year at Mercer, I will also be pursuing my master's in leadership.
Being at Daytona State has taught me and prepared me for this big step and being on a Women's D1 highly respectable golf team is everything that I hoped for. I love being a part of a team and it is one of the greatest feelings to know you are apart and representing your school. Overall, I know with my leadership skills and golf game will further excel being at Mercer University and I can't wait!"
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Last year, the duo along with current Mercer Bear Analiese Raath, helped Daytona State win the 2024 NJCAA National Championship. It was the program's 11th NJCAA National Championship and first since 2018. Paradise and Whiting finished tied for ninth respectively on the individual leaderboard. Daytona State made history on its way to winning the national championship as the Lady Falcons set a new scoring record with an unprecedented 6-under, 1,162 on the par 73 course. It marked the first time a team scored under par in the history of the women's national tournament.
Following their national championship run, Paradise finished last season ranked sixth nationally and Whiting finished the year ranked fifth nationally. Both Paradise and Whiting have continued their stellar play through the 2024 fall season, with Paradise currently the second highest ranked player in the NJCAA.
"Samantha & Tylar are a great addition to our program not only as players but excel academically as well," said coach Drinkard. "They both bring with them a championship mentality and will fit right into our culture of excellence. As proven by her 11 National Championships, Coach Brown does an excellent job recruiting players at Daytona State and has her team ready to compete every year for a National Championship. Looking forward to Samantha and Tylar teeing it up as bear next fall."
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SAMANTHA PARADISE BIO
- 2023-24 NJCAA All American
- 2023-24 NJCAA National Champion
- Currently ranked second in the nation in the NJCAA rankings
- Finished the 2023-24 season ranked fifth in the country in the NJCAA rankings
- Placed ninth in the 2024 NJCAA National Championship
- District champion and placed sixth at State Championships her senior year of high school
- Parents are Jennifer and Jim Paradise
- Has three siblings: James, Jordyn, and Sydney Paradise
- James played golf at UConn
- Jordyn is a senior at Alabama and is on the women's gymnastics team.
- Sydney is a sophomore Northern Illinois and is on the women's tennis team.
"There are a few things that I considered when I was making my decision on what school I would like to continue my academic and athletic career. Aspects like the coach, the academic programs offered, the team, and the golf were deciding factors. I wanted to go somewhere that would help me become a better person, get an incredible education, and get better at the sport that I love.
Weighing all my options, the answer I would always conclude was Mercer. It was an easy pick. Coach Drinkard is an incredible coach that has created an incredible golf program at Mercer University and when I was given the opportunity to play for her, I wanted to take it immediately. Along with the golf, Mercer University is known to have amazing business programs, which line up with my intended major in business marketing. I don't know what I want to do after college, but going to Mercer gives me a sense of peace knowing that great opportunities will come out of being a mercer alumnus and I know that it will set me up for success no matter what I choose to do once my golf career is over."
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TYLAR WHITING BIO
- 2023-24 NJCAA All American
- 2023-24 NJCAA National Champion
- Finished the 2023-24 season ranked sixth in the country in the NJCAA rankings
- Named captain at Daytona State for the 2024-25 season
- Placed ninth at the 2024 NJCAA National Championship
- Finished seventh at last year's Mercer Invitational at 1-over par.
- Placed fourth at State Championships as a sophomore in high school
- Parents are Matthew Whiting and Darlynn Wosyluk
- Stepmom is Heather Whiting
- Has a sister, Taylor Giralo
"Honestly what drew me to continue my academic and golf career at Mercer University was Coach Drinkard. She really showed me what the program can offer to improve my golf game and my future aspirations. She also made me feel comfortable and safe knowing I would be moving away from my family but also creating that team atmosphere and support group still in Georgia.
I one day want to be a golf coach, and I could tell that Mercer University and Coach Drinkard could benefit me. I plan on getting my bachelor's degree in business management and knowing how great of a business school Mercer is was another reason I knew continuing my career there would be the best option. My final year at Mercer, I will also be pursuing my master's in leadership.
Being at Daytona State has taught me and prepared me for this big step and being on a Women's D1 highly respectable golf team is everything that I hoped for. I love being a part of a team and it is one of the greatest feelings to know you are apart and representing your school. Overall, I know with my leadership skills and golf game will further excel being at Mercer University and I can't wait!"
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Players Mentioned
/ Women's Golf
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