Makaylei Snyder '23 Recruiting Profile

My name is Makaylei (Mak) Snyder and I am a 2023 highschool grad with a 4.0 GPA. I am a 5’5" point guard/shooting guard at Sandra Day O’Connor High School. My freshman year I had the opportunity to play on the varsity team. I had consistent minutes throughout the season and was put in the game during very crucial moments which displayed my coach’s trust in me. I was named one of the top 10 freshmen in Arizona and helped our team to its best school record of 23-4, ranking 5th in the 6A division, and our first appearance in the Elite 8. 

I previously played 3 years on Give-n-Go Elite with Coach Reibel and now play with Arizona Elite with Coach Peterson. Though I have always played point guard/shooting guard, I am comfortable playing any position when given the opportunity. The one area of my game that stands out to many of my coaches is my defense. I’ve been told you can teach the basics of dribbling and shooting, but you can’t teach being aggressive and having heart on the court.

Outside of basketball, I volunteer at my church in the nursery with the one year olds. I love being able to care and play with them, but it also teaches me about time management, dedication, and responsibility. I use my love for basketball to help kids that have special needs or learning disabilities play and learn the game as well. Being able to teach the game, but having to adapt to their abilities, helps me understand not everything is a given.  Having this opportunity has taught me to be the best version of me on and off the court and help mold those who are watching.  Giving my knowledge to these children is an amazing opportunity that I do not take for granted and the smiles are the most rewarding.