Throughout the 2021 spring golf season, the Stigler Lady Panthers nine member team worked diligently taking strokes off the team scorecard by spending extra time on their home track, Brier Creek Golf Course. When the time came, coach Chris Risenhoover’s lineup of five players including Averie Amos, Madely Robertson, Emma Goodman, Kinley Dill and Jade Maxwell stood the test and advanced to the Class 3A OSSAA state championship tournament played on the Westwood Golf Club layout in Norman.

A 2022 senior to be, Emma Goodman used her competitive spirit and energy to finish atop the Lady Panthers scorecard each day regardless of the conditions.  

“Whatever I’m involved in, I try to always keep a positive approach to any challenge,” replied Goodman, who also is the athletic trainer for the Panthers football program. “Good or bad, I try to always look at things on the positive side. Every golfer is going to have good and bad shots. You have to remember the next shot is the most important swing.”

Relying upon the swing results from a 56-degree wedge, her favorite club, Goodman credits her “poppy” Johnny Wade for giving her the first chance to play golf and admits she strives to mirror the influence of other family members.

“Poppy introduced me to golf. My meemaw (Glenda Wade) always works hard and inspires me every day to do my best,” Goodman said. “My nanny and papa (Kathy and Rick Goodman) are always in the gallery encouraging me every time.”

At the root of every swing by Goodman ring the words of instruction from coach Risenhoover.

“Hit the ball before the ground,” chuckled Goodman. “It’s been important to me because it kept me focused on every swing.”

The optimism and desire to be a leader displayed by Goodman earned compliments from the Stigler golf mentor.

 “Emma is like the Energizer bunny. She’s always active, an encourager at school or at work,” said Risenhoover. “Emma brightens everyone’s day. Through her hard work, she’s become a consistent golfer.”

And with a continual optimistic expectation and outlook, there’s little doubt that Emma Goodman will keep the ball in the fairway of life.