Macie McNichols ’14

After years of high-level athletic achievement, Macie McNichols ’14 is used to making waves. After a superstar career at Gilmour as a three-time state champion and two-time state runner-up in swimming, Macie secured a spot on the Ohio State University swim team. “I was sure at the time I entered college that I wanted to go into the medical field, but after an internship through the Bucks Go Pro program at OSU, I decided to switch my focus to sports management. Since that moment, everything else has kind of fallen into place.”

 

After her internship, Macie decided to pursue a master’s degree in kinesiology. When she learned that the degree required another internship, she knew just what she wanted to do.  “I knew that USA Swimming offered several internships, and I was able to secure one in their sport development department. That internship led to a job and, five years later, I’m still with USA Swimming, only now I’m the manager of national events.”

 

Macie credits much of her career success to skills she honed in high school. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without Gilmour.  The Socratic method that Gilmour uses allows you to not just retain information, but to become immersed in it, to question it, and to do something with it.  Professionally,  that ability affects everything I do today. Everything I do is about collaboration and bettering not just the organization I work for, but the other members of that organization.”

 

One of Macie’s favorite things about her job is getting the chance to create meaningful experiences for other athletes. When the 2020 trials were delayed due to the pandemic, Macie had a hand in the planning of the new events. “One of the defining moments of my life was at one of those qualifying events, when one of my teammates from OSU qualified for the finals. She gave me a hug, and I realized that my work had allowed these athletes the chance to excel, enjoy the moment and make the most of their time.”

 

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Macie has come to love her new home in Colorado, which allows her to continue her athletic lifestyle. “I’ve always been a very active person and it was really easy to find a great community out here. Not only do I coach a club swimming team in Colorado Springs, but I also completed and am training for half-Ironman competitions. I just love finding ways to keep challenging myself.”

 

Macie says that her approach to her life is encapsulated in the Thoreau quote engraved in a ring given to her by her mother: Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. “I would tell that to anyone who was questioning themselves or worried about the future,” she says.

 

“Don’t hesitate: go confidently!”