Long before she steps onto the tee box, Altus junior Emily Waites is already carrying a story of steady growth, quiet faith, and hard-earned confidence. Golf is her sport, but it has become much more than a game; it is the backdrop for lessons about perseverance, identity, and what it means to represent something bigger than herself.

One turning point came early. As a freshman, Emily set a big goal: earn her varsity letter in golf. She knew it meant going up against older, more experienced players and proving she belonged. By locking in on practice and qualifying for every tournament that season—including the state tournament—she turned that dream into reality.

The moment that stays with her most isn’t even a swing. It is the memory of her mom presenting her with that letter jacket through the Altus All Sports Association, a tangible reminder that every early morning and every tough round had been worth it.

“Earning my letter jacket as a freshman was special because it showed me that hard work pays off, and sharing that moment with my mom meant everything to me.”
Golf has become Emily’s classroom for life skills: patience after a bad hole, discipline in her practice routines, and integrity when no one is watching. She carries those same traits into school, where teachers like Mrs. Garrison helped her believe in herself in subjects that did not come easily. That encouragement taught her that having someone in your corner can change everything.

Her deepest inspiration comes from her family and their shared faith. Watching her parents, grandparents, sister, and cousins face challenges with courage and trust in God reminds her to keep her own doubts in perspective and to keep working, even when confidence wavers.
On the course, she looks up to Francis Ouimet, the underdog amateur who shocked the golf world by winning the 1913 U.S. Open, proof that preparation and belief can overcome long odds.

Now, as one of the older players on her team, Emily is eager to lead—not with speeches, but with effort, attitude, and a steady example that younger golfers can follow. Representing Altus High School, she aims to honor the legacy of those who came before her and inspire those who will come next.