Jayden Manning grew up playing golf with her dad but didn’t take it seriously until she tried out for the high school team as a freshman. Now a senior at Elk City, Jayden strives to represent her school well by setting a good example for those around her.

One of Jayden’s favorite parts of golf she says is “being outside and spending time with people I love and have fun with.” She is passionate about golf and sees it as a sport she can play for life. “It is something that I can continuously grow in.”

Important lessons are learned on the golf course. “When you mess up it is important to not view it as failure but to instead view it as a lesson,” says Jayden.

Playing on a team has strengthened her relationships with teammates. Brett Barnett is a teammate who stands out. “She took me in when I was the freshman and showed me tons of patience as I learned a new sport. Not only that but she even became one of my best friends.”

One of Jayden’s best memories of playing high school golf involves a fun practice with her team. “All the girls started to gather range balls by hand at one of the away courses so we could still practice even though the clubhouse was closed,” she recalled.

The best advice is to “give grace to yourself and others,” she says. “I’m thankful for my parents, coaches, friends and everyone else who has helped me get to where I am today. For showing me grace, forgiveness, support and love throughout these past years.

“Outside of golf, I am involved with my church. There I have learned the importance of having a relationship with Jesus and have also been discipled by many others. Now it’s my turn to disciple others. My worship pastor, Pastor Hallie, inspires me because she has shown me how to be a great leader and do what is right even when it’s lonely,” says Jayden.

After high school, Jayden plans to play golf at the collegiate level and study psychology.