Covering the Field: Introducing MacKenzie Buckman

MacKenzie Buckman is a winner. At least that’s how Champlain Valley Union (CVU) head girls tennis coach Amy deGroot describes her senior captain. “MacKenzie has played both doubles and singles for CVU. At her best she takes any short ball early and tags it to the open court for a winner, leaving her opponent with no chance at putting her racket on the ball. Her foot speed is unmatched and when pressed her competitive juices fire her up to find a way to win. Thus far her overall record at CVU is 40-5. You bet we’re happy to have MacKenzie on our team.”

A transplant from Alpharetta, Ga., Buckman and her family moved to Shelburne to start her freshman year. Her family includes parents, Meera and Jeff; older siblings Ali, age 33, Jeffrey, age 32, and Scott, age 29; two labs named Addy and Lilly; and a guinea pig named Nosey.

Buckman began playing tennis around age 7. “I played on a team in Georgia when I was in middle school. We would travel and play in tournaments. It was mostly year around,” she said of her first foray into the sport.

A four-year varsity tennis player, Buckman discusses her strength as captain. “My strength is that I am approachable so players can come to me and ask me anything,” she noted. Coach deGroot concurs and adds, “When you get a soccer star who joins the tennis team with skills you are very lucky. When you get someone like MacKenzie who also leads by example in her commitment to the team, unselfishness, and hard work ethic, you are doubly blessed.”

A three-year varsity soccer player, Buckman is a soccer star and that is where she excels. “My preferred sport is soccer,” she said in earnest. “I have been playing it longer and I enjoy it more. I plan to play soccer in college. I will try out for the varsity team in the fall.” And CVU varsity soccer is where she experienced her greatest achievement to date: “My proudest moment would be scoring the game winning goal in this year’s soccer championship,” she said without hesitation.

Buckman, a three-year varsity Nordic skier, is also involved in CVU’s Key Club, Class Council, and has completed various community service projects here and abroad. Last year she was gainfully employed at a Shelburne Senior Living Home serving food to the residents, and this summer she has a job at the Charlotte Berry Farm.

Next year Buckman will take her soccer and academic talents to Colorado State University to pursue an interest in biology. “I chose this university because I love Colorado and doing things outdoors. Plus my sister lives out there,” she explained. If Buckman’s college experience is anything like her tennis playing days, there’s no doubt that she will ace it.