VYPE: Mackenzie, what position do you play and what’s the toughest thing about playing that position?
Mackenzie Kyle: I play midfield, and the hardest part is owning the middle of the field. It takes strength, confidence, and fearlessness because one mistake can change the game. As a midfielder, you’re the connecting piece between defense and attack, and the game runs through you. Staying calm under pressure is a major role in this position. Even though this position is tough, it has taught me so much about myself and has given me qualities that I will carry long after my soccer career.
VYPE: what’s the strength of your game and what are you working on to improve?
MK: I think my strength is being coach able and willing to be utilized wherever. I think I need to work on my confidence and staying out of my head.
VYPE: What do you love most about your team and teammates at WHS?
MK: What I love most about my teammates at WHS is how empowering they are. No one is ever alone; we are one team that can rely upon each other and be confident that they will be there. We have all created deep bonds that will last a lifetime. This team is full of trust, confidence, accountability, support, and commitment. Not just committed to the sport but to each other. That’s what makes us more than just a team and sets us apart.
VYPE: Who inspires you? Explain.
MK: Someone who inspires me is my mom. Every day, I see how hard she works to reach her goals. She is relentless and gives 110% in everything she does, no matter the circumstances. Her job is very stressful and can take a toll on her, but she always keeps a smile on her face and uplifts everyone around her. Watching her had inspired me to do that same; not just at school or in sports, but in my everyday life. She is strong powerful woman who I strive to be like in my future.
VYPE: Favorite subject in school and favorite teacher from any grade?
MK: My favorite subject in school is math because everything has an answer and can be proven. I like that it’s like a puzzle. You’re always searching for the missing piece, and there’s always a way to check your work. It challenges me to think critically and stay focused. My favorite teacher is either my ninth-grade geometry teacher or my ninth-grade Spanish I teacher. They both made learning fun and created an environment that kept me engaged and motivated every day.
VYPE: Favorite moment from any season?
MK: My favorite moments from the past season were the team meals every Monday before game day. I love how everyone can come together as one, set our minds right, and hear a motivational speech.
VYPE: What other clubs or groups do you belong to at school?
MK: I am not actively participating in any clubs at the moment. I was nominated for NHS and that begins next year. Leadership is a class I hope to take next year as well.
VYPE: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
MK: I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family in my free time. I try to balance my time as best as I can. My friends and family mean a lot to me and I like to show how much I care for them. I wouldn’t be the person I am now without them.
VYPE: Which teammate is the most vocal and which teammate keeps everyone laughing?
MK: The most vocal teammate is Evelyn Smith. She is always encouraging the people around her and always puts on a brave face. Evelyn is always helping, communicating, and putting in the extra work to be the best version of herself. She is someone who can trust on and off the field. A teammate that keeps everyone laughing is Riley Kirby. She is always cracking jokes and breaking the tension. She can also lock in and stay focus when we need to be, but she always puts a smile on everyone’s face.
VYPE: What has athletics taught you that you will use later in life?
MK: Athletics has taught me accountability, responsibility, confidence, discipline, teamwork, and leadership. It has always been a big part of my life – I’ve played with the same club team for nine years. Through that experience, I’ve learned what true friendship looks like and how important trust is within a team. Sports have taught me how to take accountability when I make a mistake, how to stay confident in myself and the people around me, and how to stay disciplined to reach bigger goals. I’ve learned that success doesn’t happen alone – it takes teamwork, commitment, and leadership. These are lessons I will carry.
