West Orange Times: Sports Spotlight — Mackenzie Berly

Despite being only a ninth grader at Foundation Academy, Mackenzie Berly already is in her third year as a member of the Lions’ girls soccer team. At forward, she’s become a threat on goal and has picked up a team second-best six goals in three games.

When did you get into soccer, and what got you into the sport?

I’ve been playing since I was 4, and my parents got me into it. They kind of just asked me if I wanted to play a sport, and I was like, “Yeah, soccer.”

What has kept you playing soccer?

It’s just really fun and I love to play the game.

You’ve been playing for the team at Foundation since seventh grade — what were those early days like?

It was a little intimidating, because they were bigger than me, but it was a challenge. Being physical with them, because they’re bigger (was the biggest challenge).

For you personally, what’s been the biggest difference you’ve seen in yourself when it comes to the sport?

I’ve gotten faster.

Coming into this new year, did you have any goals you were hoping to accomplish?

Probably to be like more of a leader on the team and score more goals than last year.

What is your favorite part about soccer? The most challenging aspect?

The best part is scoring, obviously, but the biggest challenge would be figuring out the other team’s plays and strategies.

When it comes to playing forward, what is the most challenging aspect of the position?

I have to make sprints and runs — getting through the defense.

Is there a highlight moment for your during your time playing soccer?

Scoring from far out — from the halfway mark. On my club team I was playing defense and I got the ball and there were a bunch of girls coming at me, so I just kicked it.

You play club soccer at Rush — what would you say is the biggest difference between club and high school?

Club is definitely faster and (more) competitive.

If you get free time, what do you like doing?

I like to play guitar and piano, and I also like hanging out with friends. Guitar I just started this year. I’m all right, I guess.

What is your routine prior to a game?

I have like a playlist of music, and I usually stretch for 30 minutes. I like Khalid, Nirvana and I like Post Malone.

What’s your ideal meal after a game?

I like pizza — plain, just cheese.

Do you have a favorite player that you look up to?

My favorite player is Messi.

Are you a cat or a dog person?

Dog (person), I don’t like cats at all — they’re boring.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where do you go?

Italy, because it looks pretty and I’ve always wanted to go there. Rome, Venice and all those places.

Is soccer something you’d like to do at the next level?

Yeah, I want to play soccer in college.