Athlete of the Week: Mackenzie Duncan, Horizon softball

As one of only two four-year varsity players in Horizon High softball history, Mackenzie Duncan, a Penn State softball signee, started her incredible career at Horizon by leading the team to a 17-9 season and being named the 2022 Class 5A Player of the Year. 

She is currently the program’s all-time leader in games played, runs batted in, a pitched and strikeouts — and with most of her senior season in front of her, she is one home run and seven hits shy from those all-time marks, as well. 

THE BASICS 

Age: 17

Sport: Softball

Grade: Senior

School: Horizon High

Q&A

How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?

It feels great to be recognized among some incredible athletes and to know that my hard work is paying off.

What do you enjoy the most about softball?

I love the fast-paced action of the game and being able to compete against some of the best athletes around. I enjoy how it challenges me.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned from softball?

How to control what I can control: As a pitcher, I’m constantly thinking about what I need to do to get an out, but sometimes you just have to throw the pitch and trust that those around you have your back.

What is your favorite softball memory?

My favorite softball memory would have to be this past summer in Colorado, when my team came back from a nine-run deficit to win and stay alive in the tournament.

Who is your favorite athlete?

My favorite athlete would have to be my mom. She played college softball and inspired me to play. She is one of my biggest supporters.

What is your go-to pre-game meal?

Definitely Chick-fil-A but I always have to have a lucky banana.

What is your go-to pre-game hype song?

Probably “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield because it’s just an automatic mood-booster.

What is your favorite non-sports hobby?

Either spending time with friends or shopping.

What is your favorite subject in school?

I really enjoy my physics class because of how challenging yet interesting it is.

What is your favorite movie?

“Tangled.” I’ve always loved the classic princess movies, but that one has always been my favorite. 

If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?

It would definitely be Jesus so I could have a face-to-face conversation with Him, thank Him for everything He’s done for me and to give Him the biggest hug!

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?

I would go back to the Wild West era, just so I could experience it. 

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell her to trust the process. The recruiting process was really hard for me, and I was constantly down on myself but knowing God had a plan for me helped me end up right where I’m supposed to be.

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?

How hard did that first winter (of college) in Pennsylvania hit you?

Who is your favorite superhero?

Deadpool because he’s hilarious and doesn’t seem to have a care in the world for what anyone thinks of him.

Who is your favorite supervillain?

Loki because he was always so misunderstood but ended up doing good in his final moments.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

If I could have any power it would definitely be to time travel so I could see my mistakes and fix them before they happen.

If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why?

Scotland, Greece and Switzerland just to see the beautiful landscapes.

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why?

I’d be a dog just because they always seem so happy!

What is your most controversial food take?

A steak isn’t worth eating unless it’s rare.

Does pineapple belong on pizza?

Yes, you have to add some sweetness to the savory!