Jordan Britt has a brand-new head cover for her TaylorMade driver.
It's Scrappy, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga mascot will be protecting Britt's favorite club for years to come. The Signal Mountain senior signed scholarship papers to continue her golf career at UTC.
"It was one of those things where I thought I wanted to get out of Chattanooga, but everybody kept telling me how great UTC is, and I had to check it out for myself," Britt said. "I got to hang out with the girls and Coach (Colette) Murray, and we hit it off instantly. I knew I would be happy there."
In less than three years as a program, Murray's Lady Mocs have jumped to No. 31 in the country according to the GolfWeek/Sagarin rankings.
"I know UTC can go places, and I want to be a part of it," said Britt, who transferred to Signal Mountain in the summer due to family obligations after beginning her high school career under the tutelage of Ryan Kopet at GPS.
"Chattanooga is such a great city, and this is such a great team."
Britt chose UTC over Vanderbilt, Belmont, Furman, Samford and Middle Tennessee State, which appeared to be the leader when she hugged MTSU coach Chris Adams beside the 18th green after Signal Mountain clinched the Class A/AA state championship.
"I know her interest was originally elsewhere, but with the advice of coaches at GPS and Signal Mountain, she opened her eyes to what was in her back yard," Murray said. "We managed to show her a Chattanooga she hadn't seen before.
"She came in and just fit in like a puzzle piece."
In leading Signal Mountain to the Class A/AA state championship, Britt finished third as an individual. She did so under coach Wes Moore, who was the point guard for UTC's 1997 Sweet 16 basketball team.
"I always told her that I would try to not influence her decision no matter what," said Moore, who fielded text-messages from coaches across the country. "I don't think I did, but in the back of my mind I hoped Chattanooga would end up being the choice."
Said Murray: "I've been watching Jordan since I arrived here, and I was instantly impressed. I knew she was the type of player and the type of person I wanted."
David Uchiyama is a sports writer at the Chattanooga Times Free Press who began his tenure here in May 2001. His primary beats are UTC athletics — specifically men’s basketball and athletic department administration — and golf, which includes coverage from the PGA Tour to youth events. He also covers other high school sports, outdoor adventures, and contributes to other sections of the newspaper when necessary. David grew up in Salinas, Calif., and began working ...
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