Pause for Coz Profile - Sydney Maccabe '26
Sydney Maccabe '26 chose Santa Clara University “because of its Political Science program and because I was being recruited by SCU’s Division 1 Water Polo Team," she explains. Hailing from Tustin, California, Sydney has embraced SCU as a place to thrive both academically and athletically.
Sydney's connection to SCU runs through her extended family, with many cousins attending and her cousin, Thalia Doherty, serving on the Board of Regents. "I grew up hearing stories about how she got married at the Santa Clara Mission to her husband that she met at SCU," Sydney shares, reflecting on the family ties to the university.
Sydney’s favorite class at SCU has been her Constitutional Law class with Professor Peretti. "The discussions were always engaging, and Professor Peretti made the subject matter come alive," she recalls. Pursuing a major in Political Science with an emphasis in Law was a natural choice for Sydney, given her longstanding interest in politics and her dream of attending law school.
Sydney’s academic journey is complemented by her role on the Division 1 Women’s Water Polo team. "Being able to play the sport I love while getting an incredible education has been amazing. Not many athletes get the chance to play a Division I sport," she notes, highlighting the unique balance she enjoys at SCU.
Looking ahead, Sydney aims to attend law school and pursue a career in law. "The classes I have taken within my Political Science major have done a tremendous job helping prepare me for [law school]. The values that SCU holds as well remind me that I am more than capable of achieving these dreams," she asserts. She is confident that her SCU education will pave the way for a successful future in the legal field.
Receiving the Father Coz Scholarship has been a significant blessing for Sydney and her family. "This scholarship has greatly relieved some pressure on my family to pay for not only my college tuition but also my brother’s, who is entering college this upcoming year," she acknowledges. The scholarship has made a tangible difference in her educational journey.
Sydney is committed to paying it forward by giving back to the SCU community and mentoring future students. "I hope to one day be successful enough in my field to be able to give back to SCU and mentor other students who follow a similar path," she says.
To the donors who support the Father Coz Scholarship, Sydney extends her heartfelt gratitude. "Thank you so much for giving back to the Santa Clara community and students like me, and making it possible for me to continue my education at such a wonderful school that I now call home.”