Her Story
About Mackenzie
Mackenzie King serves as the head women's lacrosse coach at SUNY Oneonta in Oneonta, New York. She entered college athletics in 2021 while earning her master's degree in athletic administration at SUNY Brockport after completing an undergraduate communications degree. Prior to her current role, King played lacrosse as a college athlete, coached in the club scene around Rochester, New York, and at a local high school, worked full-time at Lululemon, interned for an athletic director, and served as a volunteer coach and later assistant at SUNY Brockport and RIT. She is an active member of the IWLCA and We Coach, a women's coaches organization through the NCAA. King attributes her success to her family's strong work ethic, noting that she and her sister come from a middle-class background where they worked hard for everything they have achieved. Outside of coaching, she volunteers with the ASPCA and SPCA in Cooperstown as well as the American Legion to support veterans.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mackenzie
01What do you attribute your success to?
My family and parents are very hard workers. They have told my sister and I from day one that you're gonna have to work for what you want. We come from a middle-class family who works very hard, and my parents didn't give us a place to start out. Everything that we've had, my sister and I worked very hard to get. I don't expect anything out of anyone when I walk into a room. My family is what keeps me going and has taught me everything.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received is just be yourself. I'm very outspoken and determined, and sometimes that can be intimidating especially as a woman. I've had people tell me my voice doesn't need to be heard or I'm too young. You know yourself best and what will come to you will always be what's meant for you. Just stay the course, be yourself, and don't change just to fit into something. There's always a seat at the table, and if there's not, bring it yourself.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You really need to care about these athletes. They want to feel that you care and that you trust them. It's gonna be a lot of work, and you have to be prepared for the fact that you are a mentor for them. It's not just a coach anymore, it's not just the X's and O's. My favorite part about this job is my connection to my athletes. Be patient with yourself and work hard. It's gonna take a lot of work to be where you want to be. You can't eat the elephant all in one day.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The NCAA is an ever-growing entity. The transfer portal is really growing. At Division III, eligibility isn't changing and there's not as much monetary value. A challenge is telling people you can still be an All-American and national champion at D3. Institutions seeing value in departments, assistants not full-time or paid well. Recruiting the right people with parents who believe in you. Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports, which is an opportunity.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I'm a big advocate for you are in charge of the energy that you bring into every room, good days and bad days. Be tough because the world isn't soft and doesn't owe you anything. Be ready to fight for what you need but know you're prepared. It's also okay to be kind, love and support each other, respect and be honest. Directness and honesty are values a lot of people miss. When someone asks you a question, answer as you would want them to tell you.
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