By Hana Kaufman
Contributing Writer
There has been a rise of multi-sport athletes who compete at the high school level. However, not every student who plays several sports makes it to the big leagues. McKinsey Beyer, a student at Desert Mountain, is one player who has achieved much success, landing her a spot at the next level.
Beyer, now a senior, grew up playing volleyball and softball. Separated into two seasons, Beyer has spent the majority of her life on a court and a diamond. Learning early on she had great athletic abilities, she began volleyball at the age of five and softball at seven.
Her talents have carried on 13 years later, continuing both sports as she ends her high school career.
“It is definitely difficult to manage both sports. For instance, there are multiple times a week where I miss volleyball for softball and vice versa,” said Beyer. “I definitely find myself not wanting to be as aggressive at times to avoid injury, but then realize it is when you are not giving 100 percent that injury occurs.”
Beyer has given 100 percent in her practices and games, resulting in a hard choice she had to make. When it was time for a club team, Beyer had to decide between volleyball and softball. Ultimately, Beyer made the choice to join a travel softball team.
“After my first club season I knew I wanted to play softball in college,” said Beyer.
Her dream came true as of last November when she committed to play softball at Grand Canyon University (GCU) as an outfielder and first baseman.
“McKinsey is arguably one of the best players in the state. She plays incredible defense in center field, is a great hitter at the plate, and her speed on the base paths is second to none,” said Chris Fredericks, the Desert Mountain softball coach.
Beyer showcased her talents on the varsity softball team all four years of high school. Although she focused on softball, she also played volleyball for the freshman, junior varsity, and varsity teams.
“She does a really good job [balancing two sports]. I know it’s hard and I understood that and gave her some flexibility when she needed to do something for softball,” said Dana Achtezhn, Desert Mountain volleyball coach.
Playing two sports helped shape Beyer into the person she is today. She has carried several talents and character traits into both athletic environments.
“She is an incredible person whom her teammates look up to for her leadership,” said Fredericks.
Achtezhn agrees with Fredericks, as he believes Beyer is an athlete who is driven to compete and win. But aside from her success with both volleyball and softball, Beyer is attending GCU to study nursing, a profession she is considering pursuing.
“I’ve always loved helping people, and even though my major is still up in the air, nursing has stuck out as something I would be interested in. I love helping people and have always had an interest in science. I am currently in an anatomy class and love it, pushing me towards nursing,” said Beyer.
With all the excitement from Beyer’s commitment and Division I accomplishments, it seems like she is ready to step on the diamond in Phoenix. But as the volleyball season wraps up, Beyer will still have one more softball season left to play for the Desert Mountain Wolves.
“Beyer is an intricate part of the success which our program has experienced over the past three years. I know she is going to do everything possible to continue the success that we have had during her time at Desert Mountain,” said Fredericks.
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