Caylaa Makimaa
Senior, Key West
Cross Country
“Caylaa Makimaa’s natural ability and work ethic always help motivate others around her to strive for more.” – Key West head coach Keara McGraw
Key West’s Caylaa Makimaa has put in the miles to set her apart from the rest of the pack. When Makimaa set a goal last season to make it to the state championships, she and her coach sat down and figured it would take a sub-20-minute 5K on a tough course at regionals to qualify. Undeterred, Makimaa began the grueling combination of long runs, speedwork and rest balance that meeting her goal would take. By the time regionals were over, she smashed her PR and earned a solo bid to the big show. This season, she is determined to do it again, and if her pace at the Middle Keys Invite and Conquistador Kickoff are any indication, she has everything it takes to make it to Tally a second year. She finished her first race of the season nearly a minute and a half faster than she did last season, and was recovering from a minor illness to boot. For her willingness to do whatever it takes to meet the highest standards in the sport, Key West’s Caylaa Makimaa is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.
