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Senior Student Athlete Profile: Mackenzie Nelson (Sebeka)

By Craig Olson, 04/30/20, 3:30PM CDT

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Sebeka senior Mackenzie Nelson participated year round in high school sports at Sebeka High School as a member of the volleyball team in the fall, the girls’ basketball team in the winter and the softball team in the spring.  This spring, however, has been unlike any other for Mackenzie and hundreds of other senior student-athletes across the state.

“My family has been huge in helping me get through this time,” said Nelson.  “We have been able to spend a lot more time together than usual, which has been nice.  Playing many different yard games outdoors has been a lot of fun and has allowed me to get my fix of athletics, although I’m very sad about my spring sports career.  Overall, I am very sad to miss many special high school moments and to end my athletic career this way.  I was looking forward to the events of this spring, which I will never get to have.  I am thankful for all of the support to help me through this time.”

“Mackenzie played a few different positions for us and really found her groove her senior year as libero,” commented Head Volleyball Coach Becca Pulju.  “She embraced this move with tenacity and worked hard to improve her passing and defense. Her communication and leadership skills make her a fantastic player. She played an awesome middle back for us.  She led our team in digs and service aces her senior year and earned Academic All-State and PRC Honorable Mention. Her kindness, determination and leadership skills will be greatly missed this fall.”

Basketball coach Michael Heino echoes those sentiments, “We are going to miss her on the court this winter.  She was a 4 year letter winner that was a leader on and off the court, especially her senior year.  Kenzie was dependable and hard-working every day.  We are really going to miss her great shooting from the outside and constant communication with the team.”

Mackenzie will be attending Concordia College in Moorhead where she will pursue a double major in Psychology and Math Education, while staying active by participating in Intramural Sports.  Throughout high school her favorite subjects have consisted of her Math classes and her internships.

As for a favorite sports memory, Mackenzie says, “Making it to the state tournament in softball and making all of those special memories that go with that.”

She also offers some familiar advice to underclassmen, “never take the time with your teammates for granted.  You never know when it might be your last time playing together.  I never imagined not being able to take the field, after all I had a whole year ahead of me.  However, nothing is ever promised.  Make the best out of your time.”