My name is Macoy Wittstrom Sill and I have lived in Paso Robles my entire life. I am 15 years old and am a Sophomore at Paso Robles High School. I live on the outskirts of town where my family runs a cattle operation. My grandparents live about a mile away and most days we’re driving through the pasture to rope in their arena, play cards, or swim at their house. 

     Sports have always been a huge part of my life. I compete in water polo as a set defender, I play basketball in whatever position the team needs, and I’m a two-year varsity beach volleyball player. I also compete in District 4 High School Rodeo in Team Roping and Breakaway, along with competing in local ranch rodeos. In basketball, I earned All-League Honorable Mention my freshman year and 1st Team All-League as a sophomore. I was ranked 15th in California and 52nd in the nation in rebounding, averaging 15.9 rebounds per game. In water polo, I earned 2nd Team All-League as a freshman and 1st Team All-League as a sophomore. I’ve been playing basketball and riding horses for as long as I can remember. I started rec basketball in first grade and instantly loved it. I began playing water polo in 6th grade, I have always loved to swim. My family nickname is "Coyfish" because if there was water around, I was in it!

     As far as my role-models, one of my biggest inspirations is Dennis Rodman. He built his career on rebounding and effort. He wasn’t the best teammate, but he made an impact because he was relentless, unselfish, and fearless. He did the dirty work and never backed down. My mom inspires me greatly. She pushes me and is always willing to drill, shoot, rope, ride, or pepper, whatever it takes to help me improve. She played basketball at Cal Poly and was recently inducted into the Paso Robles High School Hall of Fame. I’m proud of her, but I also want to be even better! My grandpa is another huge influence in my life. We go to the gym and grab breakfast before school, and he comes to every one of my games. I’m lucky to have grandparents who live close and support me the way they do.

     This year, I had my personal best basketball game with 33 rebounds and nine double-doubles. Another moment I’ll never forget happened in the first round of CIF Beach Volleyball. My partner and I were tied 1–1 and had to win the third game to advance. The game was to 15, and we were down by 11. During a timeout, our coach, Ali Bowman, simply said, “You just have to get to 15 before they do.” We went on a 13-point straight run and won. 

     Academics are important to me too. I take mostly AP and college prep classes, and I try to finish my work at school so that after the bell rings I can focus on sports, rest, and chores at home. My favorite class is DI History, taught in Spanish by Mr. Martinez. I’ve had him since sixth grade, and he’s hands down the best teacher I’ve ever had. He’s tough, but I’ve learned so much from him. He’s helped strengthen my Biliteracy. 

     Looking ahead, I would love the opportunity to play a sport in college. I also want to travel, especially somewhere I can continue using and improving my Spanish. ’m considering nursing for a career, but I’m also intrigued by the stock market. I’m still figuring out exactly what I want to do!

     If I could give advice to younger athletes, I’d say this: try everything and don’t be afraid to fail. You never know when you might fall in love with a new sport. There will never be another time in your life when coaches are wanting to help you improve for free! Use that time wisely. Never give up, outwork everyone, and make the most of every day.