![Alumni Spotlight: Mackenzie Johnson '20]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1765307886/myndhscom/f9bqqfthpcnzkag8ed6m/IMG_3051.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1765307886/myndhscom/f9bqqfthpcnzkag8ed6m/IMG_3051.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1765307886/myndhscom/f9bqqfthpcnzkag8ed6m/IMG_3051.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1765307886/myndhscom/f9bqqfthpcnzkag8ed6m/IMG_3051.jpg","width":1178}])
This month’s alumni spotlight is Ms. Mackenzie Johnson, a 2019 graduate of Notre Dame. Mackenzie attended St. Jude and always knew that she wanted to attend Notre Dame for high school.
While in high school, Mackenzie was an outstanding athlete in volleyball and basketball and states that her most memorable moment and experience was winning the District Championship for the women’s basketball team. In the classroom, Mackenzie also excelled and noted that her three favorite teachers were Mrs. Wolff, Mrs. McGirl and Mrs. Fisher; though she enjoyed all of her teachers, she felt she learned the most from them. She also stated that Notre Dame prepared her for college and shaped her into the person she is today. She truly felt that high school gave her a leg up on others and set her up for success in the future. It gave her a space to grow as a person and provided her with the resources that would allow her to achieve what she wanted.
Ms. Johnson attended Young Harris College for undergraduate, where she played basketball and then went on to attend Mercer University and graduated with her Masters. She also played one year of basketball while there as well. Her college experience helped prepare her beyond the classroom because as a student athlete, you learn early on about responsibilities and how to prioritize what is important.
Because of her connections with Notre Dame, she was able to get connected with the UTC sports broadcasting team and start working her dream job. She is currently the sideline reporter for both football and basketball teams at UTC as well as the voice of the Irish as the PA announcer for Notre Dame basketball games. This was the biggest surprise twist in her career because she had no idea her connections with UTC would land her where she is today.
In giving advice to current high school seniors and college students, Mackenzie says she would encourage them to take advantage of every opportunity given because you never know who you meet and where that might take you. Also, enjoy the experience while it last. Take your time and make sure you love what you are doing.