By Derrick Smith

There are a variety of different people that high school student-athletes can look up to as influences on their lives. They could be professional athletes, celebrities, or someone a little closer to home. In Makaylee Vasquez’s case, the person she looks up to the most is one of her teammates.

“One of my biggest influences and role models is my teammate, and cousin, Olivia Bradford,” she said. “Although she’s just a freshman and this was my first year actually getting to play on the court with her, she’s taught me so much. She has pushed me to be better for both myself and for the team. I don’t think I could’ve been the player I am today without her this season. With her, volleyball is so much more fun and lively; I strive to be a player like her.”
Vasquez is a senior at Amber-Pocasset High School, where she is a member of the volleyball and cheer teams. She has the honor of serving as captain for both teams.
Success is something that Makaylee works hard to achieve. She says that it takes a lot to be your best, but the hard work eventually pays off.
“In order for me to be successful within my sports, I’ve had to put in the work necessary to become better,” she said. “I’ve been at every practice that I could physically be at, never skipping or taking an off day. I’ve always pushed myself to the limits, to where I thought I couldn’t do it anymore. I’ve always been self-disciplined and held myself accountable when I know I could be doing better..”
Makaylee has made some great memories during her career but says that there is one personal accomplishment that is her favorite.
“The highlight moment of my career would definitely have to be when I was selected for the All-Tournament Team at the Clinton Tournament in 2019, my sophomore year. I was going through a bit of a rough patch both in life and in my volleyball career. I had lost my confidence in my play and I didn’t know how I could get it back. We went to Clinton that day, and something went off in my brain, something changed.”