Macy Reno is a senior at MHS. Her life has been surrounded by basketball and academics. Macy decided that for college, she would not play on a team where you need to win, but rather a place just for fun when she has the time for it outside of college.
Despite playing basketball since Kindergarten, she is okay with throwing in the towel formally with the sport because the impact is still everlasting.
“The sport has made me a better leader, and it’s made me not have social anxiety anymore. I used to be scared to talk to people but basketball helped me overcome that.”
The sport that someone chooses to do throughout their childhood will always hold special memories in their minds and hearts.
“My earliest memory of basketball is of my teammates. I’ve grown with them since third grade and most of us have played together, but a lot of people did quit. Kaitlyn Haag and Elsie Lewis were the two who played together since third grade. We build relationships through that and then high school basketball.”
Basketball has been a rigorous sport throughout Macy’s life, becoming a big piece of her daily schedule.
“Practices were after school every day, I also did AAU, that would be two times a week, and every weekend we play. I would also do lots of basketball camps, they typically were in the summertime.”
Some people do multiple sports, but they often have to choose the sport to which they want to dedicate most of their time.
“I was better at softball originally, but I felt more connected to basketball. The seasons clashed and I had to pick one, so I decided on basketball. At that time I also thought I wanted to go to college for it, but since then I’ve decided not to.”
Knowing that her formal basketball career was ending impacted her last game and brought a feeling of sadness.
“I really liked our team this year because we had fun. We didn’t really care what the outcome was. We had fun off and on the court. The team dinners and celebrations for our games brought us a lot closer,” she said.
Practices for high school sports can be very time consuming. For some sports, it requires students to be there before the sun is up in the morning, and then leave when the sun is already down.
“Basketball being such a big part of my life makes it really sad to lose it. But I’m looking forward to college and this new chapter in my life. The pressure in basketball is very draining in the season, mentally.”
Having a good time with people that you know is bound to make the time go by quicker, and the long practices easier.
“I handled the pressure with having the right teammates. Having a team that you connect with helps so much, there’s never really conflicts, and conflicts can affect a lot for a sports team.”
Being a student-athlete is very difficult, there can be a lot to handle. The best strategy is to find what works for you. For Macy, it can change a lot.
“There would be times that I would do assignments at 11 when they’re due at 11:59, there will always be days like that. But for game days, I made sure to get all my homework done right once school was over. It helps that I don’t have MCC classes on Fridays but I do have them for the rest of the weekdays. The combination of school and sports can be a lot. I really used muskie time for homework, especially during the season since I had a lot on my plate”
Strategizing the best way to utilize your time is essential for all student-athletes.
“I would say use your muskie time, and don’t push anything to the due date. Try and get it done when you get it, and use up all the time in your periods. Teachers give you that time. Take advatage of it. If you want to play in sports, do it. You won’t get that chance again to play on a team like that, and in my opinion yu find more friends once you join a team or club.
Going from a student-athlete, to just a student is a bigger change than some people may realize.
“I feel like I’m more tired than I was during basketball because I was like pushing myself to stay awake and, like, energize myself. I’m just way, like drained now. I’m ready for school to be over.”
It’s very common to make friends with those in the grades below you, especially when they are your teammates.
“The saddest part about leaving is knowing I’m never going to play in a big game again, but it’s more about leaving my teammates. The girls in the grades below me, I feel like their mother. I felt like I helped them a lot, and I hope I did. Leaving those girls is so hard.”
Macy, being a senior, went on many college visits. She decided to go to the University of Iowa to study civil engineering or sports recreation management.
“Have fun, we’re only in high school for so long. Take advantage of all the opportunities given to you in high school. Do powderpuff, canball. When you get the chance to be a leader, take it, it’s so rewarding. I’m going to miss this place, I see my friends every day, but I truly am excited for this next chapter in my life.”
