Get to Know Coach Mackenzie
We caught up to ask JQFP Head Coach and U19A Saskatoon Selects Head Coach a few questions

How long have you been playing softball? Or when did you begin playing?

I began playing softball since I was a young kid and quickly fell in love with the game. What started as something fun to do with friends became a huge part of my life. Over the years, softball has taught me so much more than just the skills of the game. It has taught me discipline, resilience, teamwork, leadership, and how to handle both success and adversity. The lessons I learned as a player continue to shape who I am today and have become the foundation of the coach I strive to be.

How long have you been coaching softball?

I have been coaching for 8 years, working with athletes of different ages and skill levels. Every season has been an opportunity to grow, not only as a coach but as a leader and mentor. Coaching has challenged me to continue learning, adapting, and finding new ways to help athletes reach their potential. The more I coach, the more I realize that the biggest impact often comes from the relationships you build rather than just the wins and losses.

What team do you currently coach?

I currently coach the Saskatoon Selects U19 Advanced team. It has been an incredible opportunity to work with a dedicated group of athletes who are committed to improving every day. Coaching this team has allowed me to help prepare players for high-level competition while also helping them grow as confident, respectful, and resilient young women.

What is your favourite part of coaching softball?

My favourite part of coaching is watching athletes grow. Seeing a player accomplish something they once thought they couldn’t do is incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s mastering a new skill, gaining confidence at the plate, making a big defensive play, or simply believing in themselves more than they did at the beginning of the season, those moments are what coaching is all about. I also love building relationships with my players and creating a team culture where everyone feels valued, supported, and challenged to be their best.

What is one of your favourite softball memories?

One of my favourite softball memories was helping coach our team to a provincial championship and earning the opportunity to represent Saskatchewan at the national championship for the first year as a head coach.
Watching the players celebrate together after all the hard work, sacrifices, and commitment they put in throughout the season was something I’ll never forget. It wasn’t just about winning—it was about seeing their dedication pay off and sharing that moment as a team.

What are some goals you have personally as a coach?

One of my biggest goals is to continue becoming a better coach every season. I never want to stop learning, whether that’s attending coaching clinics, learning from experienced coaches, or reflecting on my own experiences. I want to create an environment where athletes feel challenged to improve while knowing they are supported both on and off the field. I also hope to help players develop skills that extend beyond softball, including leadership, accountability, confidence, resilience, and a love for the game that lasts long after their playing careers are over.

Growing up, who was your biggest mentor or influence in softball?

Growing up, I was fortunate to have my mom as a mentor who believed in me, challenged me, and encouraged me to become the best version of myself. She taught me that being a great coach isn’t just about teaching the game—it’s about building relationships, earning trust, and helping athletes grow as people. Her leadership when she coaches has had a lasting impact on me, and I strive to carry those same values into my own coaching. I hope to be the kind of coach that players remember not only because I helped them improve on the field, but because I made a positive difference in their confidence, character, and love for the game.