When you meet Bodie Martin, it’s easy to forget that he’s just an eighth grader at Shepherd Middle School. His calm demeanor, insightful reflections, and mature outlook on life make him stand out from other kids his age I’ve met. Whether he’s hitting a golf ball with Tiger-like precision or discussing life’s bigger lessons, it’s clear that Bodie is someone who has taken stock of the world around him—and he’s already applying those observations to his own journey.

For Bodie, sports are a big part of life. A true multi-sport athlete, he plays baseball, golf, football, and basketball, although golf and baseball have his heart. “I’m a catcher, third baseman, and sometimes a pitcher,” Bodie says of his baseball positions. 

But it’s when Bodie talks about golf that his passion really shines through. I ask him to tell me about one particular round he remembers most vividly. He recalls a round he played at Pine Hills Golf Course with his friend Evan Landers. “It was a little windy, but the temps were perfect,” Bodie explains. Despite the conditions, he shot a 36—just one over par—and even birdied two holes back-to-back. The way he talks about golf, describing his favorite clubs and distances, you can see that for Bodie, golf is more than just a sport. “Golf teaches you life lessons,” he says. “You’re going to have bad shots, and bad holes, but you can’t overreact. You just have to reset and move on.”

It’s a simple philosophy, but it’s one that Bodie seems to understand in a way that many adults would envy. “It’s like life,” he adds, with a smile that suggests he’s figured out something important. “If you stay calm and don’t dwell on the mistakes, you’ll keep improving.”

His grounded approach to both sports and life comes in part from the adults he’s had in his corner. Bodie talks about his grandfather, Steve Martin, who was a huge inspiration to him. “My grandpa was a big golfer,” he says, eyes lighting up at the memory. “He passed away two years ago, but I wanted to take golf to the next level because of him.” Bodie speaks fondly of the times they spent on the course, even as a child. “I was in diapers, swinging little clubs, yelling for my dad to watch me,” he recalls with a laugh.

Bodie’s admiration for the adults in his life doesn’t stop with his grandfather. His parents, too, have played an instrumental role in shaping his respectful and mature demeanor. “My mom always taught me and my sister to use manners and be polite,” he says, crediting his mom’s influence for much of his conversational comfort, especially around adults. “It’s really important to be able to talk to adults,” Bodie explains. “I think it opens a lot of doors.”

It’s clear that Bodie’s respect for those around him and his desire to learn from them has shaped his character. His father also plays an important role in Bodie’s life, both as a golfer and as a role model. “I’ve beaten my dad a couple of times,” Bodie admits with a grin. “But he’s still a great golfer. It’s always close when we play.”

When asked about his inspirations, Bodie doesn’t hesitate to mention Tiger Woods. “I’ve always loved watching Tiger,” he says. “The way he swings, the way he talks—I admire him a lot.” And just like Tiger, Bodie hopes to take his game to the next level, with dreams of playing golf in college and, perhaps, pursuing it professionally.

But Bodie’s future plans aren’t limited to the green. He’s also considering a career as a pilot, a passion that was sparked by his uncle, a private pilot who has taken Bodie up in his plane a few times. “It’s pretty cool,” Bodie says of flying. “I could see myself being a commercial pilot one day.”

For now, Bodie is focused on finishing eighth grade and preparing for high school. While some students might be nervous about the transition, Bodie is more than ready. “It’s fun here at Shepherd, but I’m ready for the next step,” he says confidently.

As the conversation wraps up, it’s clear that Bodie is someone who takes the lessons he’s learned—on the golf course, from his grandfather, and through life’s daily challenges—and applies them thoughtfully. He’s a young man with big dreams, but he’s also wise enough to know that life, like golf, requires patience, practice, and the ability to move on from bad shots.

For the community of Ottawa and the students at Shepherd Middle School, Bodie Martin is a shining example of what it means to take life in stride, learn from those around you, and keep advancing toward your dreams, whether in life or on the green.