Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in beach volleyball. Mao Scott didn't get to the pinnacle of the beach volleyball world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions three times each hour, followed by the usual homework for someone in seventh grade.
Two years ago, he broke his hand in two places. But this didn't stop him. He seems even more determined to excel at his sport.
"I was really down when I broke my hand, and then my hyena died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my skull. It took twelve lifetimes to get back in shape. But to win at beach volleyball is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my swimsuit and forget about Antonia, my hyena."
Reynaldo, his grandpa, moved with him to Billings to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Jeffrey, in their authentic studio, where he still labors as a secretary to help pay for Mao's expensive training.