Kayli Macon, a student-athlete at Sallisaw High School, has excelled academically and on the basketball court. “I’ve gone to Sallisaw Schools since prekindergarten, I’ve been on the honor roll my entire time in school,” she shared.

Her journey in basketball traces back to her formative years, inspired by her brother’s involvement in the sport. “I wasn’t necessarily inspired. My brother played since he was little, so I just followed in his footsteps,” Kayli said, highlighting the influential role of familial ties in igniting her passion for basketball.

While not looking up to a specific athlete, Kayli draws inspiration from her brother and her coaches, incorporating their guidance into her own athletic journey. “There isn’t a certain athlete I look up to, but I do take many pointers from my brother and past and current coaches.”

Balancing the demands of academics and athletics comes naturally to Kayli, who has seamlessly navigated both realms with a steadfast commitment to success. “School has always come pretty easy to me. I’ve never had to think about it much, I’ve just always taken on the task that’s in front of me with a desire to succeed,” she acknowledged.

One of Kayli’s most cherished achievements in her high school sports career stems from her team’s triumph in winning the regional consolation bracket to advance to the area level.  “This experience stood out to me because we had to fight our way back to the top,” she recalled, showing the resilience and determination that defined their journey.

Amidst her sports journey, Kayli navigated significant challenges, including adapting to a new coach each year since sixth grade and overcoming multiple knee injuries. “It’s hard to adapt every year to a new coach’s philosophy,” she explained.

Being part of a team has been instrumental in Kayli’s personal growth: “Being a part of a team has taught me to communicate. Without communication, nothing will work.”

Throughout her athletic journey, coach Jenifer Jackson and coach Eric Carr have played pivotal roles in Kayli’s development, nurturing her skills and leadership abilities. “My sixth-grade coach Jenifer Jackson had a big impact on me on the court and off. She made me realize just because there’s tension in a situation it can be resolved. Every day she pushed me to get better. Coach Carr has also pushed me to step up as a leader with my current team.”