McCoy grew up in rural northeastern Utah, living the western dream in an oil field and farming town where he spent his childhood working alongside his grandpa on the family cattle ranch. That upbringing gave him an early appreciation for hard work, the land, and the kind of character that’s forged outdoors—values he brings to his work with students every day.

In his early twenties, McCoy moved to Salt Lake City and discovered a love of country dancing. He competes in country swing and line dancing, including at the national level. He’s also passionate about people and a devoted reader of classic literature and philosophy, always chasing the bigger questions about how to live well.

When he isn’t helping kids become their best selves and build the skills to make the most of their lives, McCoy is spending time with family and friends, grateful for the chance to live fully in a world that is, as he puts it, both hard and wonderful—an ordinary person finding meaning in a life that’s sometimes tough and always beautiful.