Emma McIntyre- Bixby High School
Emma McIntyre is drawn to the individual aspect of golf. “You are not relying on your opponent or your teammate. It’s just you and your choices. I can’t blame my bad play on anyone else. It drives me to get better,” she said.
Entering her senior year at Bixby High School, golf taught Emma to keep trying even when things don’t go right the first time. “In golf, you have to be able to shake off hitting a bad shot and focus on making the next one better,” she says.
Emma admires her sister. “Maddie has always been my safe space after a long day. Watching her play, it is still obvious how calm and thoughtful she is when approaching each shot. It’s helped not only my golf game, but also helped me approach issues in my life with a calmer and steadier attitude,” says Emma.
The professional athlete she looks up to is her grandfather. “My grandpa played as a defenseman for the NHL hockey team Toronto Maple Leafs,” she says, “I’ve always admired his resiliency and his ability to stay calm under tough circumstances. He has taught me so much about being an athlete over the years.”
Emma thanks her parents. “They have always been there to support and encourage me. My mom is always trying to cheer me up when I’m having a bad round or give me snacks. Every time I look over at my dad during the round, I can tell just how stressed out he is. They have never put pressure on me to be something I’m not. They are at every tournament with smiles, no matter the outcome,” says Emma.
Senior teammate, Priya Vandra, leaves a big impression. “She has shown me the importance of following through when you tell someone you’ll help them with something. Priya plays two sports. Her dedication to both has been inspiring for me,” she said.
Emma is on the Make-A-Wish Youth Leadership Council. She is also on the Principal’s Leadership Council and the Athletic Leadership Advisory Council. Emma values programs where she can meet new people while making her community better.
