Mackenzie Williams signs to play basketball at Madonna

Coaches and Athletic Director watch as Mackenzie Williams signs a letter of intent to play basketball for Madonna University. Left to Right: SHS Girls Varsity Coach Caz Rogozinski, SHS Athletic Director Megan Kunzelman, Student Athlete Mackenzie Williams, and Madonna University’s Head Women’s Basketball Coach Rachel Steinbarger

by Patrice Johnson. Photos by Judy Wiliams.

December 11 marked a watershed day for SHS senior Mackenzie Williams. Surrounded by family and coaches past and future, she signed a letter of intent to play basketball for Madonna University next fall. The athlete, talented in multiple sports, was offered a full basketball scholarship with the Livonia, Michigan university.

“I plan to major in pre-med with a minor in sign language.  I hope to work with children with disabilities,” Williams said, all smiles.

“I am so blessed to have Mackenzie be apart of the women’s basketball program at Madonna University next year,” stated Rachel Steinbarger, the women’s head coach for Madonna University.   “She is not only someone who fits where we are looking to take the program, but her spirit, selflessness and ability to always light up a room is something that is a rare gift.  I couldn’t be any more blessed to have her family be so invested in the journey with her as well.  The sky is the limit and I am so thankful we were able to make her dream come true, the opportunity to play college basketball.”

Williams and her family moved to the Stockbridge/Gregory area in 2010. She thrived in the new school setting, becoming involved in many student activities, all while keeping her grades up and playing in sometimes two sports per season. In fact, Williams was recently named the top golfer in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference (GLAC).  Williams will also have an opportunity to golf with the Madonna University’s golf team.

“I really enjoy volleyball and golf,” Williams said, “but I love basketball, and Madonna University has so much to offer.”

“We couldn’t be prouder of Kenzie,” her father Shon Williams declared. Grandparents Judy and Bob Williams nodded in hearty agreement.

Student Mackenzie Williams is surrounded by family and coaches past and future as she signs a letter of intent to play basketball for Madonna University Standing: Grandfather Bob Williams, Principal Jeff Trapp , Grandmother Judy Williams, Athletic Director Megan Kunzelman, Girls Varsity Coach Caz Rogozinski, Coach Chris Cummings, Head Coach for Madonna University Women’s Basketball Rachel Steinbarger, Darren Henjal. Sitting: Mother Sarah Robinson, Mackenzie Williams, Father Shon Williams

A smiling Mackenzie Williams is ready to sign a Letter of Intent to accept a basketball scholarship from Madonna University.
SHS Coach Caz Rogozinski, Mackenzie Williams, and Madonna University Head Basketball Coach Rachel Steinbarger