When Ella Tolman isn’t navigating the fairways for Lindsay High School’s girls golf team, the junior is likely competing in a different arena entirely — flanking bucking bulls as a junior stock contractor for the American Bucking Bull Inc.
It’s an unusual combination of pursuits, but for Tolman, both require the same dedication and composure that define her approach to competition.
“My parents, Bj and Tara, inspire me because they are both very passionate, encouraging and hard-working,” Tolman said. Her family raises bulls for sanctions including the ABBI, PRCA and PBR, immersing her in the livestock world from an early age.
On the golf course, Tolman has found success by staying relaxed under pressure. Her lowest competitive round came at Buncombe Creek Golf Course, where she shot a 93.
“I really just relaxed and had fun playing,” Tolman said. “I wasn’t over-thinking, just playing cool, calm and collected.”
That mental approach mirrors the composure she admires in her favorite professional golfer, Scottie Scheffler, the Oklahoma native and current world No. 1.
“I admire his work ethic and composure,” Tolman said. “No matter what, he stays steady and focused. I really respect how he lets his game speak for itself and stays humble despite his success.”
Tolman’s favorite club is her 3-wood, which serves multiple purposes in her bag.
“It’s multi-purpose for me,” she said. “I usually can make good contact with it in the fairway, but I also get out of lots of tree trouble with it.”
Being left-handed but golfing right-handed presents unique challenges. Tolman has focused her practice time on improving her long game and developing more consistent contact.
“Sometimes my long game can be all over the place,” she said. “I have been working on my swing and timing to be more consistent in the fairway.”
Beyond the individual competition, Tolman values the team aspect of high school golf.
“Golf can feel like a very individual sport while you’re out on the course, but having teammates who are going through the same highs and lows makes it special,” she said. “We push each other to improve, celebrate each other’s successes and represent our school together.”
When not competing, Tolman enjoys spending time with friends and taking courses at MidAmerica Technology Center, where science teacher Mrs. Robinson’s Equine Production class ranks as her favorite. Her family also holds a membershipat Winter Creek Golf & Country Club in Blanchard, where Tolman regularly plays the challenging layout.
Through athletics, Tolman has learned a lesson she plans to carry forward.
“If you want something bad enough and if you strive to work hard enough for it, you can accomplish it,” she said.
