At the age of 12, Broken Arrow High School senior Nina Aills started playing golf following in the footsteps of an older sister who also played for Broken Arrow. For Nina, the sport comes naturally, and she enjoys the competitive aspect of the game. Whether she’s competing against herself or a player from another school, Aills likes the mental challenge golf brings her. 

“What I like about the sport is the competitiveness of it. I like that you can easily get into others girl’s heads and also the bonds you make,” said Aills. 

Playing and being part of the activities at BA is something of a family tradition. Her mother Karen was a Tigette, oldest sister Katie was in the Broken Arrow Pride color guard and middle sister Korena was a varsity golfer who went on to play in college. 

“My biggest influence in my life has to be my sisters, Korena and Katie. Korena has pushed me to be better at golf and both of them have given me so much advice not just in golf but in life as well,” said Aills. 

Aills said she enjoys being around her teammates and the bonds they have created. 

“The thing I most love about my team and teammates is that we always have each other’s back even if we didn’t play good that day, we always try to cheer each other up,” said Aills. 

Her best round was a 79, which she shot at Page Belcher in Tulsa and her two favorite courses to play are Indian Springs and Page Belcher. Aills admits she is tough on herself when it comes to making a shot. 

“I am more competitive with myself because I constantly blame myself for a bad hole or shot and can’t get out of my own head when playing,” said Aills. 

Academics and family are always the two top priorities for Aills. Next fall she will attend Oral Roberts University, but keep playing golf in her free time. 

“My plans after I graduate are to go to ORU and I will still play golf as a hobby,” said Aills. “What I enjoy doing in my free time is being with friends and family and just hanging out with them. My plans for the summer are to get ready for college and spend more quality time with my family as much as possible.” 

As a student-athlete, Aills said she has many things to be thankful for and being part of the Tiger tradition is one of them.

“What I have enjoyed most about being a student athlete at Broke Arrow is the support from teachers and staff. They have cheered us on when we win, and they plan to come out and watch us at state.”