Scott High school freshman MaKenzie White has been invited to represent the United States in the upcoming Goodwill Games.
MaKenzie, 14, who began playing basketball at the age of 6, was selected to participate on the USA Athletes International Basketball Team, which will compete in the 2009 Buenos Aires Goodwill Series in Buenos Aires, Argentina from June 16-24, 2009.
“Ms. White, you are holding this invitation because you are one of the recommended players for the team,” reads a letter addressed to MaKenzie from the Executive Director of USA Athletes International.
The letter goes on to state, “This event is an excellent opportunity for athletes to foster international goodwill and friendship among nations, while also promoting the game. With the exception of the US Olympic program, there are few opportunities for athletes to experience the competition, history and culture of other countries on an international level.”
At one point the letter quotes human rights activist and former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, saying, “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. Sport can awaken hope where there was previously only despair.”
Coach David Dagostino, of West Virginia University, decided MaKenzie had the ability to work diligently with him and the other players while representing the USA as both a player and an ambassador on this 10-player roster.
MaKenzie is an attractive young woman and, with her slim build, blonde hair and aversion to a camera, she’s like most teenagers – interested in text messaging her friends and playing basketball as often as she can.
Unlike many young women her age, there is an underlying strength and determination in MaKenzie that is apparent in the smallest of details.
Take her handshake as one example – direct. Firm. Strong.
If she translates those same traits from a handshake into her game, then many competitors will be wise not to underestimate this dedicated athlete.
“The coach’s response was, ‘I could pick hundreds of girls to be on this team, but it is MaKenzie’s personality and work ethic – that is why I chose her,’ ” MaKenzie’s mother,Tara Jones recalled.
MaKenzie was known to Coach Dagostino from the many games she has played as a guard with the WVU Team Camp and the West Virginia Tornadoes.
According to MaKenzie, the West Virginia Tornadoes is a traveling team that is on the road from March through October.
According to MaKenzie and her mother, Tara Jones, last year the rules for participating in the Goodwill Games was a bit different. This year, they say, the US Athletes International is allowing up to five high school players on a 10-player roster.
“When we found out, we were really excited,” MaKenzie said.
Mom Tara Jones comments, “The experience alone will be overwhelming for her.”
MaKenzie’s schedule in Argentina begins with a briefing on Argentina's laws and customs at their hotel on day one, a day to explore the area on day two, followed with a city tour of Buenos Aires on day three, then a 3-hour basketball clinic on day four.
The games begin on day five, when the team will play a morning game, which will consist of three halves.
Days six and seven of MaKenzie’s schedule resemble that of an educational tour with a trip to an “estancia” or typical Argentinan house in the countryside, followed with a catamaran cruise and farewell dinner.
Boone County residents can cheer on MaKenzie White as she plays this upcoming basketball season with the Scott Skyhawks Basketball team and continue to read the Coal Valley News for updates on her games in the Summer Goodwill Games.
Contact Joanie Newman at jnewman@coalvalleynews.com or call 304-369-1165.
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