Weatherford Area Girls Soccer Player of the Month – Presented by Harley-Davidson World
Mackenzie Funk – Newcastle, 54,862 votes
Mireya Hernandez – Clinton, 38,632 votes
Seirra Taylor – Weatherford, 26,648 votes
Savannah Kauk – Elk City, 5,706 votes
Braeleigh Bills – Bridge Creek, 3,903 votes
Other athletes receiving votes include Alexis Adams – Chickasha, Hannah Rouse – Newcastle, Rossy Garcia – Elk City, Lexi Albright – Chickasha, and Abby Campbell – Cordell.
Mackenzie Funk – Newcastle
Newcastle senior Mackenzie Funk’s athletic career started out with a unique request.
“I started playing soccer at the age of four,” she said. “I wanted to play football, but girls were not allowed so my parents put me in soccer.”
Fast forward to today, where she plays mid field for the Racers soccer team in addition to being a member of National Honor Society and playing on the Southlakes ’01 Premier Team. One of the things she enjoys the most about competing for Newcastle High is that she has formed close relationships with her teammates, since many of them grew up together.
“I like being able to play with my friends that I have grown up with,” she said. “I also like having the honor of representing my school.”
The Racers had quite an impressive season record, with 12 wins and only three losses. It’s also worth adding that eight of those wins were shut outs. Mackenzie’s final season at Newcastle proved to be one of her favorites.
“It has been one of the best seasons I have ever been apart of, and we are excited to be able to play in playoffs,” she said.
Mackenzie is a highly competitive player on the field, which transfers over into her everyday life as well. She has a couple of role models who she looks to as examples of hard work.
“I have always looked up to Lionel Messi and Russel Westbrook,” she said. “I admire their hard work and talent. They have taught me that it is not about how talented you are, but how much heart you play with.”
After her time at Newcastle High is over, Mackenzie will attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas on an academic scholarship while majoring in hospitality management.
