Senior Athlete Spotlight: Mackenzie Metka

When asked about why she loves the game of soccer, Mackenzie Metka eagerly responded “I love competition and I love to score”. At a young age, Metka loved watching her older brother play the game and when she turned three, she joined a local recreational league and only grew from there. Over the past four years, as a member of the Varsity Girls Soccer team, Metka believes she has not only grown as a player, but also learned how to be confident and a role model both on and off the field. On the field, Varsity Girls Soccer Head Coach Ifeoma Dieke commends Metka for being a hardworking, technical player who always wants the ball. “She is never satisfied and strives to be better. A captain that leads by example,” Dieke describes of Metka.

Metka considers her time as a Falcon as a roller coaster. Her favorite memory is winning the Palm League as a sophomore, with Palmer Trinity ultimately defeating Benjamin School in penalty kicks to capture the school's first Palm League Championship. "Everyone rushed to the field and the energy was so amazing," Metka recalls, "we all felt on top of the world." However, late in her sophomore year, Metka tore her ACL, forcing her to miss all summer, fall conditioning, and the majority of her junior season.

Thinking back on the injury, Metka admits that she struggled mentally, missing the game that she loved dearly and fearful that she would never be the same player again. Metka is quick to credit Coach Dieke in helping her stay motivated and focused, utilizing Dieke's own experience in an ACL recovery as a valuable lesson and inspiration. Metka also focused on her goal of playing collegiate soccer.

Right as she returned from injury, Metka started her recruiting process. Knowing her dream was to play in Boston, she attended an ID camp and was quickly introduced to Suffolk University's Head Coach. "Suffolk was the right fit for me, perfect location, and I have family right by campus so it was perfect," according to Metka. After meeting the team and touring campus, Metka officially committed and looks forward to joining the team and studying Psychology beginning in the Fall of 2024.

Off the pitch, Metka enjoys drawing, frequently sketching animals, landscapes and portraits. She actively volunteers at art festivals and joined an environmental community service club called The Turtle Team which focuses on beach cleanups and the safety of sea turtles. Metka also enjoys watching "mind-bending movies", including her favorite, Everything Everywhere All at Once. Her favorite food is sushi, favorite artist is Frank Ocean, and she is proud to share her fun fact that she has a little sister 15 years younger.

 

Be sure to come out and support Mackenzie and the rest of the Varsity Girls Soccer team as they begin the FHSAA Playoffs with the District Tournament the week of January 22nd.

 

Go Falcons!