Brenden Miller Photo
For as long as she can remember, Leah Macy has wanted to become a McDonald’s All-American.
“I would say for a while I knew if I kept working hard and doing my thing I could become a McDonald’s All-American,” the Bethlehem senior center said. “My parents knew I was on track if I kept going and expressed that to me but they also wanted me to be myself. I knew all through high school this was a goal I could reach and a dream of mine but I never let it distract me.”
The dream came true when Macy and fellow Kentuckian ZaKayiah Johnson of Sacred Heart were both named McDonald’s All-Americans.
Macy admitted she was a “nervous wreck” for a few days waiting for the official announcement to be made. McDonald’s officials told nominees to watch the announcement on TV.
“There was no advance announcement, so it was kind of surreal when it did finally happen,” Macy said. “I was sort of in shock when I found out. This was definitely right at the top of my list of goals and it is really just now sinking in a week later. I think once I go to Brooklyn (N.Y.) for the festivities it will really sink in that I am an All-American.”
Macy won’t comment on the knee injury that she suffered in the All “A” Classic championship game in January that has forced her to miss the last XX games. She is averaging 27 points and 13.4 rebounds per game and went over 3,000 points in her career earlier this season and was closing in on 2,000 rebounds when she was injured.
Macy signed with Notre Dame in November after helping Team USA win a gold medal in international play last summer.
“It has been a crazy senior year and I have accomplished things most 17 and 18 year olds did not have a chance to do,” she said. “My family is really proud of me. They know the work and time I put into reaching this goal and they were a huge part of it. The Notre Dame coaches are obviously proud of me and their support means the world to me.”
Macy will not get any McDonald’s All-American swag until she gets to Brooklyn in late March.
“I think I am most excited about the ring I will get but all the gear will be great,” she said. “It really will be a dream come true.”
