Macadyn Holley

Macadyn Holley – Mississippi
Nomination & Photography by Jessica Coulson Photography
Issue 72 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Macadyn Holley was born with multiple heart problems. God has used this sweet girl in unimaginable ways. She was set for surgery to correct her issues, but the day came, and the worst malfunction was cured. She only had a minor surgery, and now Her heart is whole! She has a fantastic testimony and a zest for life that is unmatched! So many of her peers look up to her, and she is such a bright light! This angel touched my heart on the day of her senior session, and I definitely will not forget her for years to come!!
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Photography by Jessica Coulson Photography

​What do you want people to know about your heart problems and how they affect you today?
I had three holes in my heart. The worst hole was between the main artery, which ran through the muscle into the pumping side of my heart. This hole had only been documented in 9 other people in the world. There were no known fixes for this problem. This would have ended my sports career. Cardiologists from all over the country and Canada came to examine me. However, after much prayer by my church and parents, this hole disappeared on the day of my surgery. My surgeon fixed the other two holes; now I can play sports again.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I am currently running for Valedictorian of our senior class. I am the varsity setter and co-captain for the Volleyball team and was recently honored for surpassing 1,000 varsity career assists. I am also on the varsity basketball team. I am very active in her church youth group and community. Last November, I was honored to receive the Junior Leadership of Alcorn County award, voted on by our City and County leaders. Due to my heart conditions as a child, I would like to go into the medical field and work in Pediatrics.

Tell us about your volleyball career. When did you get started, and where are you at with it now?
I started playing Volleyball in the seventh grade. I have played setter for both school and travel ball teams over the past six years. As a senior, this will be my last year to play. However, I would love to coach a travel team in the future.

What are your roles and responsibilities as co-captain?
As co-captain of my school volleyball team, I must show the underclassmen what it takes to succeed and push one another. We have been one of the top 4 teams in our state for the past two years. I want to lead by example as we prepare for the state playoffs this year. I want them to see my desire to win and love for my team.

What is your team like, and what is a favorite memory with them?
Our team is really close. We root for each other and try our best to encourage each other. My favorite memory was when we beat our county rival last year. That was a huge accomplishment for our team.

How would you describe your leadership style?
I would like to think that I am an encouraging leader. Before giving constructive criticism, I point out my teammate's good qualities and what they are getting right on the court. I believe in lifting others up in order to get the best performance out of them.

Photography by Jessica Coulson Photography

What position do you play in basketball and why do you love it?
I am a shooting guard. I enjoy this position because it allows me to demonstrate a talent not many people know that I have.

What is your favorite accomplishment with basketball?
We call our state basketball competition the Big House. Playing in the Big House with my team at the state finals last year was an unforgettable experience.

What else would you like to talk about?
I am very close with my family and love spending time with them. My father, Cory, is our home church's Associate Pastor and Youth Minister. My mother, April, is a Nurse Practitioner. I have a younger sister, Palin, who plays on the volleyball team with me. We have two dogs named Millie and Hazel. I like to wind down on my few days off by watching Grey's Anatomy.

What is a favorite family memory you will never forget?
In 2021, we took our whole extended family to Disney World. It was a magical experience, and I will never take for granted the opportunity I had to spend time with them. My favorite part of this vacation was sitting in front of the castle watching the fireworks show.

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
I love to talk about Jesus. I am passionate about bringing my friends and family closer to God. Above all else, I want everyone to know that Jesus loves them and desires to be close to them. I have seen Him move in such amazing ways in my own life on more than one occasion, and I cannot imagine anyone going through life without His love and protection. So, in case you didn't know, let me remind you today that Jesus loves you.

What do you love most about the church you attend?
I absolutely love my church friend group. We go out and spend time together. We pray for one another, and I know I can always depend on them for whatever I need. We support each other in our accomplishments and defeats. I could not make it without them.

How did you find your photographer, Jessica Coulson Photography? What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
Jessica Coulson was from our hometown when she started taking pictures. She has since moved to Memphis, but we were familiar with her photographic talent, so we sought her out for my Senior portraits. One of the things that really stuck out during the session was how Jessica listened to us and what we wanted the pictures to look like. She was very receptive to taking photos at a new location she had never photographed. We asked her to photograph me at LeBonheur Hospital with the hearts outside the building, and she absolutely knocked it out of the park.

What is up next for you that you are super excited about?
Next semester, I get to shadow at St. Jude and LeBonheur Hospital to nail down what area of pediatrics I would like to go into. Right now, I would like to be a Neonatologist, but this may change. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt I want to work with kids and make a difference in their lives.

Look for Macadyn in issue 72 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
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click here for more information on issue 72

click here to nominate an inspiring teen