McDonald, who proudly represents UCLA on tour, has given some of his time to local NJTLs, and quickly became a role model. About a dozen students from East Palo Alto Tennis and Tutoring, an NJTL in the Bay Area, met McDonald at Indian Wells, asked him questions and snapped selfies. When one asked Mackie who inspired him on this sunny day, he cited the legendary Bruins basketball coach John Wooden.
“[The College Fund] touched on what maybe I could do in the future,” McDonald says. “But I think now with my age and some of the success I’ve had with my career, the timing is perfect. I think it’s a strong partnership.”
McDonald estimates that he talks to a fellow Bruin, active or alum, at least once a day. A text chain with over 100 UCLA players keeps his phone buzzing. He’s received plenty of digital congratulations over the years—most notably when he swept the NCAA Division I singles and doubles titles in 2016, and seven years later, when he stunned Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open (in what would be Rafa’s last match in Melbourne Park).
“Sharing stories or talking about, you know, recent stuff with the team keeps it close,” McDonald says of his enduring college ties. “I still think my best friends are from college, teammates.”
