Q&A with Box Elder athlete Dallin McKee
BRIGHAM CITY, Utah — A Q&A with Dallin McKee who is a 16-year-old athlete at Box Elder High School.
Sports participated in: Swimming, Volleyball
Years in current sport: 3rd year in HS, been swimming for 8
Team/s: Box Elder Swim Team, Barracuda Aquatics Club
Grade/Year: Junior/11th Grade
“Dallin…… is a competitor who leads by example, is kind to his teammates, is an absolute beast in the classroom, works hard without ever complaining, obliterates his competition, and has a way of keeping everything stress-free and fun. To put it simply – he is Box Elder. I don’t think Quinn knows what kind of impact he has on those around him. He is a natural leader who always puts others first. As a coach, I couldn’t ask for a better example.”
— Coach Jerry Hodgkinson
What are your personal goals within your sport/athletic dreams?
Dallin McKee: It’s always been a dream of mine to swim in college. Right now my goal is to break our teams 100 backstroke record.
What is your biggest challenge in your sport, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
McKee: Swim is a very physically demanding sport, so it is challenging to practice like we do every day. I have found when I take care of myself mentally and physically it is easier to perform and practice every day.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
McKee: Anything worth doing is worth doing right.
What do you love about your sport?
McKee: Everything! Competing is definitely a very tough part. It is nice to be able to show your progress and ability in a race. Being on the team is also a huge part of the fun. It’s such a cool feeling when I am with my team and the love we have for each other. It’s like a second family. My all-time favorite thing about it is being able to accomplish hard things. It’s such an amazing feeling to look back and see all the hard things you’ve done.
Do you have a pregame ritual you follow?
McKee: I like to listen to music when I first get to the pool. Then I have a series of moments I do before every race, including: swinging my arms, slapping my muscles in my arms and legs, and talking myself up in my head.
What do you like to do outside of your sport?
McKee: I like to hang out with friends and family. I also like to stay active and do things like hiking, paddle boarding, and boating.
What has being a member of a team taught you?
McKee: It’s taught me that you don’t always do things for yourself. I have done plenty of races I didn’t really want to do so that my team could succeed. It has also taught me patience, and how to help others succeed along with you.
What is the best piece of advice you received from a coach or mentor?
McKee: Nobody knows if you’re working hard enough besides you. You’ve got to prepare to be amazing.
Describe a mistake you made while competing and how you overcame it.
McKee: I recently lost a race that I usually excel at. Instead of just complaining about it, I watched my race, probably close to 10 times, found out what I was lacking in and have worked and worked at those specific things.
Anything else you鈥檇 like to add?
McKee: Playing a sport is such a blessing! My sport has taught me so much, and made me who I am. I love swimming!
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