Where Are They Now: McKenzie Woody
9/8/2020 1:54:00 PM | Softball
McKenzie Woody played on Mercer’s softball team from 2011-14
MACON, Ga. – We all know about the great accomplishments that Mercer student-athletes have achieved during their time as a Bear, but what are they up to after they graduate? Today, we take a look inside former Mercer softball player McKenzie Woody and her career after Mercer.
Woody starred for the Bears on the diamond from 2011-14, earning three First Team All-ASUN and two NFCA All-Region Second Team honors in her career. The former ASUN All-Freshman Team member is still among the top offensive talent the conference has ever seen, ranking fifth in career hits (277) and runs (165). She is also seventh in career batting average (.390) and eighth in stolen bases (93). The Fayetteville, Ga., native also remains as one of the best to ever don the Orange and Black, ranking in the top-10 for 27 categories. She remains the program leader for single season and career batting average, as well as career hits. Additionally, Woody graduated as the leader in career runs scored, single season hits, career stolen bases and career stolen base attempts.
Woody led the Bears to a 37-19 record as a senior, the program's second-most wins in a single season ever. She added ASun All-Tournament Team honors to her resume after leading the Bears to the ASUN Championship game. The Whitewater High School product went 61-for-170 (.359 avg.) in 2014, including a double and two triples while scoring 42 runs and driving in 15. She also stole 24 bases and walked 20 times.
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WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY FROM YOUR TIME WITH MERCER SOFTBALL?
My four years at Mercer were definitely filled with so many great memories - from meeting some of my best friends, to countless bus rides and hotel rooms, playing on some of the biggest stages and earning Female Player of the Year. But I have to say that my favorite memory of Mercer softball was my last run as a senior with my best friends in the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament. We beat KSU 5-4 and upset #1 USC Upstate 4-3 to head to semi's, in addition to beating FGCU 2-1 in an 11 1/2 inning thriller. Those games were played with so many emotions that can never be forgotten.Â
FOR SOME BACKGROUND, WHAT WAS YOUR MAJOR AT MERCER?
While at Mercer, I was part of the Tift College of Education. I graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education/Special Education. I love teaching kids and wouldn't change it for the world!Â
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HAVE YOU EARNED ANY ADDITIONAL DEGREES (MASTERS, PHD, CERTIFICATES) ETC. SINCE GRADUATING?
After obtaining my teaching certificate in Early Childhood Education and Special Education (Pre-K- 5th Grade) in 2014, I went straight into teaching a 1st grade classroom. I haven't earned any postgraduate degrees yet.
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE SINCE GRADUATING? (LIFE, CAREER ETC.)
Since graduating in 2014, I moved to Newnan, Ga., and obtained a job teaching at Burch Elementary School (where I actually went to elementary school as a kid). This year will be my sixth year teaching 1st and 2nd graders. In our school, I currently serve as one of the four "Den Leaders", lead our SEE-KS team, and serve as Yearbook Advisor.Â
I continue my love for softball by contributing to the youth in many ways. Since 2014, I have been an assistant coach for varsity and JV at the nearby high school. I also give private hitting/slapping lessons weekly. During the summer, I devote my time to coach a 18u East Cobb Bullets softball travel team.Â
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AND ASPIRATIONS FOR THE COMING YEARS?
I hope to continue to be a positive light in so many children's lives inside of my school and better myself as a teacher. I also hope to continue to grow as a coach and teach younger players to respect and love the game that taught me so much in life!Â
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS?
In ten years, I see myself with a loving family and kids of my own. I see myself as a varsity high school softball coach continuing to give back my love for the game!Â
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Follow the Bears
For complete coverage of Mercer Softball, please follow the Bears on social media at @MercerUSoftball (Twitter), /MUSoftball (Facebook) and @MercerUSoftball (Instagram) or visit the official home of Mercer Athletics at MercerBears.com.
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Woody starred for the Bears on the diamond from 2011-14, earning three First Team All-ASUN and two NFCA All-Region Second Team honors in her career. The former ASUN All-Freshman Team member is still among the top offensive talent the conference has ever seen, ranking fifth in career hits (277) and runs (165). She is also seventh in career batting average (.390) and eighth in stolen bases (93). The Fayetteville, Ga., native also remains as one of the best to ever don the Orange and Black, ranking in the top-10 for 27 categories. She remains the program leader for single season and career batting average, as well as career hits. Additionally, Woody graduated as the leader in career runs scored, single season hits, career stolen bases and career stolen base attempts.
Woody led the Bears to a 37-19 record as a senior, the program's second-most wins in a single season ever. She added ASun All-Tournament Team honors to her resume after leading the Bears to the ASUN Championship game. The Whitewater High School product went 61-for-170 (.359 avg.) in 2014, including a double and two triples while scoring 42 runs and driving in 15. She also stole 24 bases and walked 20 times.
Â
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY FROM YOUR TIME WITH MERCER SOFTBALL?
My four years at Mercer were definitely filled with so many great memories - from meeting some of my best friends, to countless bus rides and hotel rooms, playing on some of the biggest stages and earning Female Player of the Year. But I have to say that my favorite memory of Mercer softball was my last run as a senior with my best friends in the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament. We beat KSU 5-4 and upset #1 USC Upstate 4-3 to head to semi's, in addition to beating FGCU 2-1 in an 11 1/2 inning thriller. Those games were played with so many emotions that can never be forgotten.Â
FOR SOME BACKGROUND, WHAT WAS YOUR MAJOR AT MERCER?
While at Mercer, I was part of the Tift College of Education. I graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education/Special Education. I love teaching kids and wouldn't change it for the world!Â
Â
HAVE YOU EARNED ANY ADDITIONAL DEGREES (MASTERS, PHD, CERTIFICATES) ETC. SINCE GRADUATING?
After obtaining my teaching certificate in Early Childhood Education and Special Education (Pre-K- 5th Grade) in 2014, I went straight into teaching a 1st grade classroom. I haven't earned any postgraduate degrees yet.
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE SINCE GRADUATING? (LIFE, CAREER ETC.)
Since graduating in 2014, I moved to Newnan, Ga., and obtained a job teaching at Burch Elementary School (where I actually went to elementary school as a kid). This year will be my sixth year teaching 1st and 2nd graders. In our school, I currently serve as one of the four "Den Leaders", lead our SEE-KS team, and serve as Yearbook Advisor.Â
I continue my love for softball by contributing to the youth in many ways. Since 2014, I have been an assistant coach for varsity and JV at the nearby high school. I also give private hitting/slapping lessons weekly. During the summer, I devote my time to coach a 18u East Cobb Bullets softball travel team.Â
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AND ASPIRATIONS FOR THE COMING YEARS?
I hope to continue to be a positive light in so many children's lives inside of my school and better myself as a teacher. I also hope to continue to grow as a coach and teach younger players to respect and love the game that taught me so much in life!Â
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS?
In ten years, I see myself with a loving family and kids of my own. I see myself as a varsity high school softball coach continuing to give back my love for the game!Â
Â
Follow the Bears
For complete coverage of Mercer Softball, please follow the Bears on social media at @MercerUSoftball (Twitter), /MUSoftball (Facebook) and @MercerUSoftball (Instagram) or visit the official home of Mercer Athletics at MercerBears.com.
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