To Emma Evans, a Duncan High School sophomore, golf is just as much a team sport as it is an individual sport.

“The way you choose to spend your time and treat the sport affects not only you, but your teammates, as well,” Evans said. “We have an amazing group of girls who have all made it a point to prioritize friendships with each other. We are all determined to win state this year, and I believe this team and our amazing coach is my biggest motivation.”

Evans, whose father and grandfather play golf, was introduced to the sport around 8 or 9 years old. She played in her first school tournament in sixth grade. But this year has been particularly challenging.

“My scores have been all over the place,” Evans said. “I definitely wasn’t practicing as much as I couldn’t and should’ve been. You could say golf wasn’t the first thing on my mind, but I have a different and better mindset now, and I make time to practice any time I can.”

Evans has persevered, in part, by focusing on her relationships with her teammates.

“We all go to the course and have fun, but beneficial, practices together. We have multiple group chats where we keep up with each others’ lives and talk to each other about everything. Whether it’s blasting funny songs over a speaker, carpooling with each other or just sitting there talking, we always seem to enjoy each others’ company.

“I love playing golf, but I’d say the relationships I’ve built along the way make it a lot more enjoyable for me,” Evans said.

Evans also prioritizes her academics. She has always been a straight-A student and is involved with student council, National Honor Society and Oklahoma Honor Society.

“I think that the work you put in at school and the leadership abilities you project into your community defines you as a person and also has a really big effect on different aspects of your future,” Evans said.

After she’s played her last round of golf for the Lady Demons, Evans plans to attend the University of Oklahoma.