Kasay Holbrook, a 2008 Dawson County High School graduate, has been named assistant golf coach at her alma mater, Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C.

Holbrook, 23, graduated from Presbyterian College in May 2012, with a degree in business management.

She started as a third assistant golf pro in 2012 and was promoted to second assistant in March at Big Canoe.

I dont see myself doing anything but golf, said Holbrook. I loved going to school here and now coaching feels right at home.

While in college, Holbrook had one of the most distinguished careers in the programs history. She earned Big South Player of the Week honors three times, and she accumulated a program-best, seven top-10 finishes, and set three individual school records.

As a freshman at the Division I college, Holbrook led the team to its first and only tournament win at the 2008 Lady Falcon Invitational.

Holbrooks new duties include assisting in practice, recruiting and traveling with the colleges womens golf team. She has also been responsible for outside operations, club repair, setting up WGA (Womens Golf Association) Play days and assisting in clinics at Big Canoe.

Her love of golf started when she was 8, she said, when her family moved into the Gold Creek subdivision in Dawson County.

My dad would take my brother and me on the course to play nine holes, said Holbook. It was always a family event.

Holbrook said her father was instrumental in her early love of the game. He thought she had a great swing and natural ability. He also encouraged her to practice.

Hed spread a five-gallon bucket of balls on the putting green, and Id have to make a hundred, 3-foot putts before I could leave the green, said Holdbrook. He also became my swing coach.

But, Holbrook was quick to point out that both parents supported her endeavors.

I want to thank them for that, she said. They encouraged me to pursue my dreams.

Hobrooks next mentor was DCHS Golf Coach Shari Chastain, who coached Holbrook through her four years in high school.

Chastain remembered being impressed by Holbrooks skills the first day they met.

She shot 40 in nine holes, said Chastain. We met at Chestatee Golf Club and there was supposed to be another golfer, but she didnt show up, so it was just Kasay and me. To keep her from being nervous, I said, Lets just play. But, secretly, I was keeping score.

It was the start of an awesome high school career, according to Chastain.

Shes an extraordinary young lady, said Chastain. Im honored to think I helped her. Shes just got that mental toughness and that competitive drive. Shes going to be successful no matter what aspect of golf she chooses.

Holbrook said it was Chastains support that helped her.

She was like a second mom to me, and she helped me be a great golfer and develop a great mental game, said Holbrook.

Chastain coached several sports during her 20-year career at DCHS. She currently serves as school psychologist for the district and is a pre-K director.

When asked about her best day on the golf course, Holbrook didnt hesitate to say it was during her junior year in college, when she shot a school record.

I wasnt thinking about it, and I wasnt worried about it, she said. I was just playing along and had three holes left to play, and I was four under. I knew I was doing well, but I didnt say anything because Im superstitious. I didnt want to jinx it.

Holbrook shot two under par a 70.

Holbrooks next challenge, she said, is to become a PGA Golf Course Certified Teaching Professional. The certification can lead to careers in management, operations, and customer relations, according to golfsmith.com.

Id like to finish my PGA certification by August, then at some point, I want to go back and get my masters in business, she said.