Pantalion concludes A&M-Commerce playing career

The end of A&M-Commerce's golf season will mark the end of senior Heather Pantalion's stint as a Lion. She finished the season on a high note at the Lone Star Conference Championship tournament, and it is evident she will be sorely missed.

"Heather has had a good career as a college golfer," women's golf coach Louie Bledsoe said. "She has been our leading scorer three of the four years she has been here."

Pantalion has been playing golf for eight years. In that time, she has earned two district championships at Hendrickson High School, once as an individual. She was also the recipient of the Margo Harbison Award (Most Outstanding Golfer) as a sophomore at A&M-Commerce.

Last fall, Pantalion was the top finisher among Lions competitors at two out of three tournaments, and finished first in four tournaments during the spring. She finished the spring with a 20th place finish at the LSC Championship, shooting an even par 72 on the final day.

"I have had many amazing experiences being a college athlete here at Commerce," Pantalion said. "I'm glad that I have had the chance to experience this and would recommend it to anyone."

Pantalion said she is attracted to golf by the feeling she gets from making a good putt, chip or drive.

"My favorite thing about golf is when you hit the one good shot," she said. "That's what makes you keep wanting more."

Pantalion has been a team leader for the last three years. Bledsoe said she has always been eager to help her teammates.

"In many ways, she's been like an assistant coach at practices and at tournaments," Bledsoe said. "She is always ready to assist in getting things done."

Junior Megan Benites said she has benefited from having Pantalion as a teammate.

"Heather is a really competitive player, and she pushes me to do my best," Benites said. "The majority of the time, Heather is our number one golfer."

Pantalion plans to pursue a master's degree at A&M-Commerce, while working as a graduate assistant for Bledsoe.

"Her experience in our program will be invaluable in working with the incoming freshmen and transfers who will be on the team in the fall," Bledsoe said. "She will be a big help as a student assistant the next two years."