In only her second year at N.C. State senior pitcher Mendy McKenzie is not only performing at a high level on the mound, but is a team leader on a softball team full of underclassmen. McKenzie, who is one of only two seniors on this year’s softball team, is second on the team in wins with seven including three shutouts.

However, the real importance that McKenzie has had on her team is providing leadership for such a young team. 

“It’s been fun to watch her develop from last year, coming in and understanding that every pitch matters and that in everything she does we depend on her,” coach Lisa Navas said.

“Mendy is a good person, she is a good friend to the kids. They can talk to her. She always has a smile on her face, except when she is on the mound. She is pretty stoic, which is how she should be.” 

According to Navas, the way in which McKenzie shows leadership is the greatest part of her game.  He states that she is able to lead by example and is always receptive to anyone who wishes to talk to her.  

“She is a person the players can talk to, she isn’t going to yell at anybody,” Navas said. “She knows she has a job to do.”

McKenzie originally went to Western Carolina University where as a freshman she was named to All-Southern Conference first team and was named female student athlete of the year for Western Carolina.  After her sophomore season she transferred to N.C. State. 

“I wasn’t happy where I was,” McKenzie said. “This is a very good program and a very big program, and I knew I could get better here.”

Being one of only two seniors, McKenzie strives to do whatever she can to help her teammates whether she is on the field or not. 

“I always want to try to be a leader and help them in a positive way whether I am playing or not,” McKenzie said. “I just want to help them anyway possible.”

With McKenzie having one of her best seasons this year, Navas credits her success to an increase in confidence and focus on each and every pitch. 

“Confidence was low when she first got here, but now she has really built it up,” Navas said. “It’s confidence and believing in every pitch and that every pitch matters. The cliché of one pitch at a time has really been her motto this year.” 

However, McKenzie credits her coaches for-c her vast improvements in her game, going as far as to say that they are the best coaches she has ever had. 

“My huge improvement was me coming here,” McKenzie said. “I have never had coaches like I have had here and it has helped a lot.”