Makensie Toole: Golf Champion and Driven Student

Reported By: Kate Mack

Photo From: althetics.georgefox.edu

Makensie Toole is a prominent figure on the George Fox University (GFU) campus. As a senior, star golfer, and student pursuing a double degree in both communications and marketing, she is an impressive athlete and student. As an Australian international student, Toole has had many different experiences during her time here in the United States: a few of these include studying at GFU, winning a National Championship trophy in golf, and becoming a part of a community that made her feel at home. 

Toole described both the highs and lows of what it is like being an international student at GFU. With a vibrant and welcoming community, Toole explained the joys of being able to explore Oregon and see things she’d never seen before, like snow. However, in 2021, COVID-19 was especially difficult for Toole as an international student because she wasn’t able to go home and see her family for a while. However, she feels lucky to have been at GFU: “There were people in the school community who went to a lot of effort to make sure I didn’t feel too isolated or alone and helped me get a summer job– and I definitely think it could’ve been a lot harder if I was at a school that didn’t care about you as much,” said Toole. 

Toole said that in Australia, there are no college sports, so one of the draws to studying abroad was being able to hone her craft in golf while also pursuing an education in something she was passionate about. She described how she searched for a team that would be both competitive and feel like family, especially considering she was going to be so far from home. Toole described her experience on the golf team as a life-changing one.

“I love my teammates so much. Over the [past] four years they have become some of my closest friends, and I know they will be friends for a lifetime. Playing on this golf team has also allowed me to travel across America which has been so cool,” Toole said. 

Toole is pursuing a double degree at GFU and has a passion for writing, public speaking, and stories. With the possibility of golf media in her future, Toole knew this degree would be able to open doors for future career fields. Motivated by the sacrifice of her parents, Toole knows she is finding her groove and is in the right place. 

“I know that my parents have sacrificed a lot for me, and it can be hard to be so far away from home, and so working as hard as I can to get the most out of it makes it worth it for me,” she said.

When thinking back on her time at GFU, Toole always smiles when she remembers winning the National Championship in golf. Toole explained how amazing the win was for the team and the beauty of being able to see everyone come together in Florida. With a celebratory Disney trip after the win, this memory is one that constantly brings her joy. 

Anyone who is looking to follow in Toole’s footsteps has some big shoes to fill. For those who want to be as aspirational as her, Toole recommends setting big goals and working hard to achieve them. A routine is always a good thing, especially when life gets hectic as a busy college student. As a last piece of advice, Toole said, “I think if you choose to study and pursue things that you are truly passionate about, it becomes so much easier to succeed because you love putting in the time and effort.”