Sewickley Academy golfer McKelvey commits to Bucknell

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, September 15, 2018 | 3:27 PM

Sewickley Academy senior Tatum McKelvey pretty much knew where she wants to continue her golf career.

She took a step recently toward making it official by giving a verbal commitment to the Bucknell women’s team for the 2019-20 season.

“In the end, my decision was between Bucknell and Lehigh,” she said. “I loved my overnight visit to Bucknell, and the team and the school (have) had my heart from the beginning.

“I have been talking to the Bucknell coach, (Lisa) Francisco, since freshman year and they have always been my top choice.”

McKelvey, the defending WPIAL Class AA girls individual champion, likes the direction in which the Bison are headed.

She said her goal is to help them win the Patriot League title.

They placed fourth of six squads in the league championship tournament last season.

“Every year, the team is playing higher in tournaments,” she said. “It would be a dream to play in the NCAA Division I championships.

“I can’t wait to be on campus next fall.”

Sewickley Academy coach Nancy Means said McKelvey will have to work hard to secure a starting position, but that she is competitive and has a strong work ethic.

McKelvey, who plans to study economics, said challenging herself academically and on the golf course was her goal since seventh grade.

Means said with the college search behind her, McKelvey can focus on personal and team goals.

McKelvey led the Panthers to their first PIAA title last season.

McKelvey is the second Sewickley area golfer in recent years to commit to Bucknell, a private school in central Pennsylvania.

Quaker Valley graduate Chris Tanabe played in all seven fall tournaments and all three stroke-play events as a freshman on the Bison men’s team last season.

Karen Kadilak is a freelance writer.

Tags: Sewickley Academy