Kayla Mackenzie – By Michelle Arana

Posted on 10. Aug, 2010 by trish in Features

As a five year old the West Valley’s Kayla Mackenzie loved to play sports. However, little did she realize that when she first picked up a basketball that never again would she put it down, and she has been playing non-stop ever since. Some of you may recognize this amazing athlete who once led the Kellis Cougars to a State Championship back in 2009. She was also selected back to back for the All-Arizona team and was even a 3-time Region Player of the Year. It’s no wonder that she was offered and proudly accepted a full ride scholarship to Oklahoma City University among the many other Universities that tried to get Kayla to come play basketball for their team. When asked what sports have taught her about life and why she continues to play, Kayla stated, “Sports have taught me to be a leader and have more of a voice. I have always been very shy, but being a point guard requires a lot of leadership. Basketball has always kept me focused and on the right path in life.”
When Kayla is not playing basketball, she likes helping out kids with special needs and getting involved in many extra-curricular activities as she possibly can. She is a great role model for all of those younger than her and her advice for young kids involved in sports is “Don’t let yourself get burnt out, when you’re young try to balance sports with being a kid.” Her goal while at Oklahoma City University is to get a degree in Nursing because she loves helping other people. This girl has an amazing future and as focused as she is, the West Valley will be behind her all the way, for she will go far in life, education, and her future career. Good luck in all that you do Kayla!