Golf isn’t just a game of skill—it’s a test of patience, leadership, and heart. For McAlester High School senior Emily Shelton, it’s also a source of pride. “My role for the team is being a leader,” she said. “I prepare myself by doing what I need to do to make myself better, and I help lead the team by making sure we are all on the same page with uniforms and what time we’re leaving for tournaments.”
Emily’s journey began back in middle school, though it took time for competition to follow. “I got started playing golf in the seventh grade, but COVID kept us from going to any tournaments,” she said. “My first official season was freshman year.”
Through every round and every season, her family has been her biggest inspiration. “My inspiration to play golf is my parents,” she said. “My mom played golf in high school so she is the one who taught me how to play and will do anything to help me improve my game.”
This year’s team has had a different dynamic, with some players balancing golf and soccer, but the bond is still strong. “As a team we are very close and we do a lot with each other outside of school and practice,” Emily said.
That sense of unity and self-belief has helped Emily reach major milestones. “Last season I was the only person on my team to qualify for state, so I was able to take my best friend to state with me so I would have another girl with me,” she said.
Her goals for this season are bold but attainable. “Place top 5 in regionals, qualify for state for the fourth time, and be an all-stater,” she said.
After graduation, Emily plans to continue playing at the next level. “My plans for after college are to attend Southwestern Christian University to play golf and major in kinesiology.”
Whether she’s leading her team, improving her swing, or chasing a college dream, Emily Shelton continues to prove what perseverance and passion can do.