Houston High senior Matthew McDonald is not only the captain of the school’s mountain biking team but also an inspiration to his peers, both on and off the trails. His journey into the sport began at a young age, fueled by the legacy of his father, a former national champion in college racing. Now, as a leader of his team, McDonald is helping shape the next generation of riders while making his own mark on the competitive scene.
McDonald’s love for mountain biking started in the sixth grade. Even though he didn’t have the most advanced bike, he was drawn to the sport's thrill and camaraderie. Specializing in cross-country mountain biking—a discipline involving both endurance and technical skill—he’s found his niche. “It’s not like the extreme downhill you see in events like Red Bull Rampage,” McDonald explains, “but it still offers plenty of challenges with elevation and long courses.”
His commitment and hard work paid off in a major way at the US Pro Cup, where he took first place in the 17-18 age division for Category 2. Now, in his final year at Houston High, McDonald is sharing his experience with younger teammates, offering guidance during practices and even in the school hallways.
McDonald’s leadership embodies the spirit of GMSD’s vision of inspiring personal excellence, making him a standout not only as an athlete but also as a mentor. "I enjoy helping [younger athletes] out, seeing their confidence grow—it’s just as rewarding as racing.”