This is Mackenzie Vellis
- This Is Rutherford
- 3 minutes ago
- 3 min read
By Jennifer Ersalesi
Photo credits: Mackenzie and Krista Vellis
Rutherford High School Senior, Mackenzie Vellis, has been a lifelong athlete. Her dedication and persistence throughout the years has enabled her to become a record-breaking high school athlete. This is Rutherford interviewed Mackenzie to learn more about her high school athletic career.
TIR: How long have you been playing sports? Do you have a favorite?
Mackenzie Vellis: I have been playing sports for as long as I can remember. When I was younger, I joined every sport possible: softball, gymnastics, soccer, and basketball. I enjoyed being active. Although I always loved basketball, volleyball became my favorite in middle school. I found myself wanting to spend as much time as I could on the volleyball court. I honestly love every aspect of the game.
TIR: At the beginning of February, you scored your 1,000th career point during a RHS
basketball game against Becton. Congratulations on this amazing accomplishment. Tell
us how you are feeling about this achievement.
MV: Growing up around basketball, the 1,000th point milestone is something I always strived to achieve. I wanted to join my family members who also reached this milestone. Finally being able to accomplish my goal was a full-circle moment for me.
TIR: Back in January you were named NJIC's Basketball Player of the Week after excelling during your team's wins over Becton, Leonia, and Garfield. What was it like to be
recognized by the NJIC? To what do you attribute your basketball success?
MV: I’m honored to be recognized for my effort. But it is truly a team accomplishment. We win and lose as a unit. I’m just happy we win more than we lose. As for being successful, I attribute that to work on skills in the off-season. When I am not in season, I try to expand my knowledge on the game and focus strengthening my weaknesses.
TIR: You are also an incredible volleyball player. You finished your volleyball career with 1,104, reaching a 1,000-kill milestone, and is only the third RHS Bulldog to do so. To what do you attribute your volleyball success?
MV: A lot of my volleyball success stemmed from my off-season work. Being part of a club volleyball team, from my freshman to junior year, taught me a lot about the game. I was able to apply that knowledge and skill set to my high school play. But being on a close-knit team made the success come easier.
TIR: In November, you were named First Team All County Player in All-Bergen County Volleyball. Your team members, Cate Finan was named Second Team All County and Tessa Davidson was named Honorable Mention All County. Why do you think your team had such an awesome season?
MV: Our team has been playing together since middle school. We knew our roles
on the court. It is easy to have good chemistry when we are all friends on and off the court.
Game-play becomes easier when you have a libero with the school record in digs, a setter who holds the second-highest assists total in school history, and players who will hustle during every play.
TIR: Have you had particular mentors/ coaches that you would like to acknowledge?
MV: I’ve been lucky enough to have numerous coaches who played a major role in my athletic success. Regarding volleyball and basketball, Coach Antzoulides and Coach Guy have been nothing but supportive since the moment I stepped in high school. They fostered my confidence and allowed me to grow into the player I am today. Coach Mann, Coach Hrbek, Coach Bligh, and the coaches at Sideout Sports were also always there for me when I needed extra reps. Most importantly, it was always reassuring to have my family in the stands cheering me on.
TIR: You are a senior at RHS, what are your plans after graduation?
MV: After RHS, I plan on studying business at Fairfield University. I will also play Club
Volleyball for them.
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