College Commits: McKenzie Mamayek
Photos submitted by McKenzie Mamayek
Izzy Pack
McKenzie Mamayek, currently a senior at Hamilton, has been running track for eight years. She recently committed to running college track at St. Norbert.
Mamayeks’s teammate, senior Elise Damato, says about her, “I've always looked up to Kenzie because of the effort she puts into her workouts and races. She will flourish in college track because of her determination and love for the sport. I am incredibly grateful to have her as a teammate and friend. St. Norbert is lucky to have her!”
One of her current high school coaches, Coach Nysse, also says about Mamayek, “Kenzie is one of the hardest working athletes we have on the team. Her start and curve running are her greatest asset and a blessing to have on any sprint relay. As a teammate, Kenzie is willing to do almost anything to make the experience better for those around her. She is a great leader.”
Read more to hear from Mamayek:
How long have you been running?
I have been running since 5th grade.
What is your favorite memory from track?
My favorite memory from track is going to state freshman year for the 4x100m relay.
What do you think is your favorite/best track goal you've accomplished?
Coming back junior year from an ACL tear sophomore year and running a personal best my last 5 straight races of the season.
What will you miss most about running for Hamilton?
My teammates. Track is mostly an individual sport, but I’ve been running with the same people since freshman year, and we’ve all become good friends because of it.
How has track impacted your life?
I have coaches from middle school that I still talk to and work with, and I’ve created a lot of friendships from the sport.
What is one lesson you've learned from track?
The workouts are tough, but the results from them are worth it.
What was the recruitment process like for you?
It was pretty sudden because my original plan was not to run in college. However, a coach reached out, and I started getting on recruiting websites to put my name out there and found lots of success there. I talked to a lot of different coaches and visited a few campuses until I found the best fit for me.
What is one thing that a coach has told you that you will carry into running in college?
When I missed sophomore year, many of my track coaches told me to come back even stronger next year, and that has motivated me since.
What advice do you have for younger runners?
Do the workouts and run hard at practice, and you will be successful!
What are you most excited about next year running for St. Norbert?
The winning atmosphere and traveling. St. Norbert has won their conference for a few straight years, so I’m excited to hopefully be a part of that and contribute to the team. Our coach has also given the program the opportunity to qualify for a D1 meet down south if we run a certain time during the season, so it’s something to work towards and be excited about.
Is there anyone you’d like to give a positive shoutout to who has been instrumental in your journey?
My parents have gone to every single meet I’ve ever had and have supported me throughout my journey. This wouldn’t have been possible without them.
