Vocal, assertive and in control, McKay Beattie appears nothing like a mere sophomore when out on the court for the Golden Eagles this season. But he’s become a big part of his team’s success despite his lowerclassman status with all involved grateful for the impact he provides night-in and night-out.

“He’s been rock for us since he came into the gym for us last year,” said Maple Mountain coach Napoleon Galang. “He’s one of the top liberos in the state and he will be until he graduates. So we’re very thankful to have him for the next three years. We’re lucky to have him.”

Beattie played his role effectively yet agin during Maple Mountain’s 4-set win (25-17, 20-25, 25-18, 25-22) over top Region 7 foe Pleasant Grove on Thursday. It was a game that challenged the Golden Eagles to put forth their best play and rally a bit as they prepare for a third-straight 5A state championship run.

“We put our boys through really tough matches from the get-go, so we’ve already played most of the tough teams in Utah and we’ve grown from it,” Galang said. “So when we play a top team like Pleasant Grove it’s familiar to us and I think you saw that tonight with our play.”

Brandon Gurney, Provo Daily Herald

Sure, Maple Mountain’s play was led by top seniors like Taft Hillman, who plays the critical setter position, middle blocker Kai Dirkmaat and outside hitter Matheus Borges, but also relied heavily on junior Abe Hawkins, and of course Beattie.

“We have some good seniors again this year, but we’re relying on a lot of underclassmen this year, too,” Galang said. “It’s part of the growing process for this team. Kudos to our great seniors for helping bring up all the younger players and we’re able to continue to be dominant even with some of our younger players taking on bigger roles.”

For Beattie, the role of floor captain comes naturally, even though he’s a mere sophomore due to a strong volleyball upbringing which saw him begin his development when he was just six years of age.

“My dad coached my older siblings, so I decided to just follow them and it’s taken off since then,” Beattie said. “I was sort of little when I started, so I eventually moved over to focus on the libero position and I’m glad I did. It’s worked out pretty well.”

Pretty well indeed, as Beattie appears poised to help lead the Golden Eagles to another state championship run.

Brandon Gurney, Provo Daily Herald

“It’s been a tough year, and I haven’t always been playing at my best, but a win like this one tonight is big for us,” Beattie said. “We’re really working hard to play together as a team and we did that well tonight. We’re all working to make the burden of everyone out there lighter and we did a really good job of keeping calm.”

Of course a lot of the team’s demeanor is due to the steady influence of Galang, who has proven to be one of the top coaches in the state given Maple Mountain’s great success.

“He’s really good at instilling in us how we need to respond and it’s been amazing having him put his trust in us,” Beattie said. “He has us believing that we have the skill necessary that when we put it together on the court that we can be a great team.”

With the win Maple Mountain improves to 18-4 overall and 3-1 in Region 7 play with the state playoffs in focus.

“We’re really enjoying this season because all of our new pieces have really bought in and stepped up to replace some of our great seniors we had graduate last year. So we’re feeling good about the progress we continue to make,” Galang concluded. “You can’t replace the great play of our graduating seniors last year. But you can find how to have success in different ways and that’s why I’ve been so proud of the work and dedication of the players this year, many of whom are younger and inexperienced. It’s been a great group to coach.”

Brandon Gurney, Provo Daily Herald

Maple Mountain's frontline combine to block a kill attempt from Pleasant Grove. April 16, 2026

Maple Mountain's McKay Beattie receives the ball effectively during his team's 4-set win over Pleasant Grove on Thursday. April 16, 2026

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