Shipley’s Mackenzie Medina is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week

The junior defensive center midfielder, a first team All-Friends School League girls soccer selection last fall, has been a key two-way contributor for the Gators this fall, as Shipley has advanced to the FSL championship final. This fall, she was moved from attack mid/wing to defensive center midfielder, and still has scored many key goals for the Gators. Shipley girls’ soccer head coach Dakota Carroll said, “Mackenzie is one of the hardest working players I have ever coached. She is always looking to improve her game and is willing to put in the work to get there.”

Q: You’ve been a productive offensive player for Shipley this fall from the defensive center mid position. What do you think have been the biggest keys to your scoring success this season?

A: The biggest keys to my scoring success have been shooting very often and having confidence on the ball. I also feel confident that my team supports me, so even if I go forward with the ball and mess up, they are there to support me. 

Q: What aspect of your game did you work on most during the off-season? What do you consider the strongest part of your game, and what are you working on most currently?

A: During the off-season, I did lots of technical drills and agility work. The strongest part of my game is switching the side of our attack through the midfield and winning balls out of the air. Currently, I am working on my shooting accuracy. 

Q: Tell us a little about your start in soccer. Have you always been a midfielder? Who have been your most important soccer mentors, and what was the most important thing each of them taught you?

A: I started soccer when I was 6, but I have not always been a midfielder. I’ve played almost every position, goalie aside, and still can today. My most important soccer mentors so far have been Dakota Carroll and Steve Roper. Dakota Carroll, my coach at Shipley, has shaped me into a better player by pushing me to the best of my ability. Steve Roper, my club coach up until last spring, has taught me to be strong and confident on the ball. 

Q: Briefly describe for us your pre-game preparation (physical, mental) on the day of a game.

A: On game days, I drink a lot of water. This keeps me hydrated and feeling good for the game. Right before warm-ups the team and I always get excited for the game by listening to music in the locker room. Mentally, I remind myself why I play and how much I love the sport. 

Q: You wear uniform jersey No. 10 for Shipley soccer. Is there a reason you picked this number – does it have any significance to you?

A: My mom was No. 10 when she played sports. I picked this number at a young age and have stuck with it my whole life. 

Q: Do you participate in any other extracurricular activities at Shipley other than soccer?

A: I am on the basketball team and I am going to join the lacrosse team this year. 

Q: What is your favorite course at Shipley? What do you think you might want to major in at college? Is there a career field that particularly interests you at the present time?

A: My favorite course at Shipley is math. I most likely will pursue a math-related path in college. I am currently interested in engineering.  

Fun facts – Mackenzie Medina

Favorite book: Walk Two Moons, by Sharon Creech. 

Favorite TV show: Grey’s Anatomy.

Favorite athlete: Julie Ertz.

Favorite team: USWNT. 

Favorite place to visit: Outer Banks, N.C.

Family members: parents David and Maria, younger sister Riley.

(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)

To view a gallery of the Main Line Girls Athletes of the Week from 2013 to present click here