Profile of a collegiate student athlete

By Hannah Armstrong//

When watching field hockey, many people focus on the goal-scorers and playmakers, but behind every field player lies the key to any successful team–the goalie. 

At Hood, Mackenzie Blair is one of those goalies. Her talent and ability to command the field have made her a force to be reckoned with in the cage. 

Blair, now a sophomore at Hood, began playing field hockey in the winter of her eighth grade year. “I played one night of field, and the next night I knew I was going to be a goalie,” Blair said. 

Blair took some time to gain confidence in her skills. “I went to clinics and worked with a bunch of coaches, and I got better,” Blair said. 

Her hard work paid off when she was moved up to varsity towards the end of her freshman season at Northwest High School. After this, she became a prominent figure on the team and earned a starting position. 

While at Northwest, Blair earned first team all-division honors as well as all-county first team. As her high school career ended, she realized she wanted to continue her athletic career in college. 

Blair visited many colleges, attending clinics and tournaments with her club team, Koa, but ultimately fell in love with Hood. 

Blair then became part of the 2023 field hockey class, which brought in eight other new players. Blair became Hood’s second goalkeeper, along with current senior, Nicole Bennett.

Blair said that her first collegiate game was an experience she will never forget. “I had never felt that way before,” Blair said. “I played the second half of the game, and I only let in one goal.”

After her freshman year, Blair had tallied 116 saves and a 0.748 save percentage. 

“My favorite moment of my freshman season was when I saved a stroke at Goucher,” Blair said. A stroke is a penalty shot, and it can be a difficult save for many goalies.

Blair’s sophomore season has come to a halt due to a knee injury. COVID-19 canceled games this season, but Hood’s athletes are still permitted to practice. Despite her injury, Blair drives to almost every practice to support the team and give tips to the other goalies.

“Kenzie is such a big asset to the team, and I rely on her leadership with the goalies,” head coach Carley Shannon said. “I’ve really enjoyed coaching her this season and look forward to the seasons to come.”