Redshirt junior McKenzie Madison started 14 of 16 games played last year and provided a spark in the midfield for the Anteaters, registering eight shots, two of which were on target. The midfielder also found success in the classroom, earning recognition on the 2019 Commissioner's Honor Roll and being named to the Dean's List in the Winter and Spring quarters.
A native of Ripon, Calif., Madison attended Gregori High School where she helped her team to a pair of conference titles.
Q: Being from Northern California, what made you want to come to UCI to play soccer and continue your education?
A: When deciding on a school to commit to, I knew I was looking for a school that was somewhere in-state, but still far enough from home that I could feel independent. UCI not only provided this aspect, but it carried the reputation of being a great academic institution that would provide me with a very distinguished degree. I also knew that the UCI Women's Soccer Team was a very high achieving team both in and out of conference, and somewhere I knew I could keep growing as a player and be pushed in every aspect. Plus, living in Newport Beach with my best friends isn't too bad!
Q: What do you enjoy about playing soccer? Can you tell us about one of your favorite moments with the sport?
A: Not only do I love how much soccer pushes me and forces me to be the best version of myself as an athlete, but I love getting to play with a great group of girls. The teammates I have are some of the best people I know, and I'm so lucky to have made close friendships that will last a lifetime. Getting to play side by side with great people makes winning more fun and makes you want to work hard for one another out on the field. My favorite moment happens to be during my UCI career when we traveled to the University of San Francisco. It was a game where everyone on the team pushed through the tough calls, penalty kicks, and rainy weather. We ended up winning the game 3-2 in the final minutes and I've never felt so close to my team or been so proud of everyone's performance and grit.
Q: What is the most challenging thing about soccer that you think most people might not know about?
A: In order to love the game of soccer you have to respect it. It's a sport that sometimes is mentally and physically draining. But if you work hard and keep pushing, the outcomes and benefits are unimaginable. You have to be okay with failing sometimes before you can really see yourself succeed.
Q: Prior to coming to UC Irvine, you had extensive experience playing club soccer. What did you enjoy about club soccer and how did it prepare you to compete at the collegiate level?
A: Club soccer is where you really grow a passion for the sport. I will never forget the tournaments where you had two games a day, back-to-back days, because now I can't even imagine how my body would feel playing two games a day. Traveling to tournaments with my club teammates and competing with one another will always be some of my favorite memories. Club soccer helped create a drive for competitiveness that I now find crucial for competing at such a high level.
Q: How have you been staying prepared for the season despite the uncertainty as to when it will get underway?
A: I recently had knee surgery in February. So, my preparation for the season has revolved around lots of rehab, strengthening and getting fit again so that when the time comes, I'm ready to play and perform at a high level.
Q: What are your career aspirations for after you earn your degree in Criminology, Law, & Society?
A: My career aspirations are to become a lawyer. I want to pursue a JD in criminal law, but I'm still not quite sure if I want to be a Criminal Prosecutor or a Criminal Defense Attorney.
Q: Have you been able to pursue any new jobs or internships now that you have some extra time on your hands?
A: Unfortunately, the internship that I had lined up at the DA's office was canceled due to COVID-19. Although I was bummed about the cancellation, it allowed me to focus on getting myself healthy again after my injury, as well as giving me more time to study for the LSAT.
Q: Have you taken up any new hobbies or personal advancement goals during the break?
A: I learned how to golf and play tennis over the break, but I've decided to stick with sports that involve my feet and not ones that rely on hand-eye coordination.
Q: Who is your favorite professional athlete and why?
A: My favorite professional athlete was and will always be Peyton Manning. He may not have the most rings as many people remind me, but his dedication to preparing himself to be the best version of himself as a competitor and teammate is something I really value. The way he handled himself the same when he was at his lows and at his highs, really inspired me to do the same. The respect he had for the game and his competitors is something I find crucial when it comes to performing at such a high level.
Q: Are there any other sports besides soccer that you enjoy watching or playing?
A: All of my roommates can tell you that my Sundays are dedicated to watching NFL football, especially the best team ever, the Dallas Cowboys!
Q: If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
A: This is a really tough question for me to answer, considering I go through phases of being obsessed with one type of food. At this moment I have to go with my order from Chipotle, I order it at least twice a week.
