Tuesday, May 13, 2014

NCAA Golf Pioneer Catana Starks’ Story Finally Gets Top Billing - Higher Education

NCAA Golf Pioneer Catana Starks’ Story Finally Gets Top Billing - Higher Education: Catana Starks knows all about beating the odds. Twenty-eight years ago, she was given the task of building — from scratch — the men’s golf program at Tennessee State University. In spite of meager beginnings, Starks persevered and became the first African-American woman to coach an NCAA Division I men’s golf team.

Starks’ inspiring success story is now on the big screen. From the Rough is the cinematic portrayal of her career at Tennessee State University (TSU). The film debuted in select theaters on April 25. It features Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson in the lead role as the iconic coach. The cast also includes the late Michael Clarke Duncan (The Green Mile), Tom Felton (the Harry Potter film series), Henry Simmons (NYPD Blue TV series) and LeToya Luckett (Preacher’s Kid, Single Ladies TV series).

It’s Starks’ hope that the film sends a resounding message to viewers — that dreams come true for those who diligently pursue their goals.