When you’re a key part of three teams like Lindbergh’s Kenisha Macklin, there isn’t much of an offseason. Because of her role on Lindbergh’s soccer, basketball and track teams, Macklin is the Renton Reporter’s pick as the Prep Female Athlete of the Year.
“I took a few weeks off,” Macklin said. “I just started to ease back into my workout. I’ll have to hit it pretty hard soon.”
Macklin has to get into full game shape because she’s playing soccer at Portland State University next year and two-a-day practices start in early August.
Macklin’s senior year started in the fall with soccer season. Macklin led the Eagles to a 10-3-2 record, third place in the Seamount and within one round of the state tournament. That finish is especially impressive considering the Eagles had a small team and weren’t sure how the season would go.
“We didn’t have that many people come out,” Macklin said. “So we were hoping to do kind of good, and we did that.”
Macklin was a force in the goal, with seven shutouts. She even added six goals and three assists for good measure.
Autumn turned to winter and soccer turned to basketball. Macklin played a big role for the Eagles, averaging 6.8 points per game (fourth on the team). Lindbergh finished 18-6 overall and in second place in the Seamount League, but there is one thing the team couldn’t get done: beat rival Kennedy.
“We wanted to beat Kennedy so bad,” Macklin said. “At Lindbergh you just want to beat Kennedy in everything. It’s kind of disappointing that we didn’t get to beat them.”
The basketball team’s season ended with a tough, one-point loss to Kelso in the bi-district tournament.
Macklin then made it to the 3A state meet in track throwing the javelin. She started the season focused on the discus, but continued to improve at the javelin throughout the year.
“It was really cool going to state because it was my first year making it there,” Macklin said.
While finishing up her senior season (wherein her senior class voted her Most Athletic), Macklin stayed busy. She coached the Renton Rangers, a Special Olympic soccer team to second place in a tournament at Fort Lewis May 31-June 1.
“It was a lot of fun,” Macklin said. “I just love working with those kids.”
Adam McFadden can be reached at amcfadden@reporternewspapers.com or 425-255-3484, ext. 5054.