Makhi

What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

Makhi loves football because it keeps him grounded. It is a major part of who he is and something he carries with pride. Football gives him a place to challenge himself, stay disciplined, and remember what he is capable of. When he puts on his uniform, he isn’t just playing a game—he is representing the person he has worked hard to become. It is a part of his identity, something that gives him confidence, purpose, and a sense of pride he carries both on and off the field.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

Makhi is inspired by his stepfather, the man he calls “Dad,” who has shaped his journey from 5U tiny mites to his senior year. With over 12 years of coaching underprivileged youth, he has poured his love, knowledge, and passion for football into Makhi’s life. He taught him not just the game, but how to use it as a tool for discipline, purpose, and a fulfilled life, passing down a legacy of football through generations.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

My proudest moment was watching Makhi face both death and disappointment. He lost a beloved coach to death, then experienced the entire coaching staff leave his high school program. He took time to grieve, process the disappointment, and find his footing. Instead of allowing loss and failure to define him, he used the pain as fuel. He came back stronger, more focused, and more determined, turning one of the hardest chapters of his athletic journey into part of his story—not the end of it.