For most high school athletes, the end of the fall sports season means a much-needed break. Winter becomes a time to rest, catch up on life outside of sports, and maybe even hit the weight room. But for athletes like Mick McKee ‘26, downtime isn’t in the playbook. After wrapping up an outstanding football season where he broke the single-season receiving touchdowns record, McKee is already lacing up his sneakers and hitting the hardwood for basketball season.
McKee had an outstanding fall season as a wide receiver, breaking records with his speed and tough catches. His performance set a school record for receiving touchdowns during a season.
While many of his football teammates are using the winter to recover and regroup, McKee is using his winter for basketball.
“For a lot of people, the off-season means you finally get a chance to breathe,” McKee said. “For me, basketball season starts right away. There’s really no time to sit back and relax.”
Transitioning from football to basketball is certainly not easy, especially without much of a break. Football requires bursts of power, while basketball demands constant movement, agility and endurance. McKee credits his ability to stay in shape and adapt quickly to the demands of each sport.
“The first couple of weeks are the hardest,” McKee said. “Your body is still in football mode, and suddenly you’re running up and down the court for 32 minutes a game. It’s definitely an adjustment.”
Despite the challenges, McKee thrives on the fast-paced schedule. He believes playing two sports helps him stay sharp and builds skills that translate between the two.
“Football teaches you toughness and discipline, and that carries over into basketball,” McKee said. “At the same time, basketball helps with my footwork and conditioning, which are huge when I’m back on the football field.”
For many students, winter break is a time to catch up on sleep, spend time with friends, and enjoy some much-needed downtime. But for McKee and other student-athletes, it’s also a chance to put in extra work.
“Winter break is only about two weeks long, so I try to make the most of it,” McKee said. “Basketball practices don’t stop, and we usually have a few games in that stretch too. But I also carve out time to work on my own and improve on my weaknesses.”
For McKee, the grind of a year-round sports schedule is more of a privilege than a burden. He knows that his hard work in both football and basketball isn’t just about the present, it’s also preparing him for what’s ahead.
“I love both sports, and I wouldn’t trade this schedule for anything,” McKee said. “It keeps me focused and driven. I’m always working toward getting better.”
With the football season being over and basketball in full swing, McKee’s journey as a multi-sport athlete is a testament to his dedication and passion. While others take a breather, McKee is putting in the work, proving that for some athletes, the off-season is simply a myth.