MacKenzie Dorsam is catcher for the USI softball team. The junior nursing major is having an impressive season. She is currently hitting .388 with 47 hits and 4 home runs.
The Shield: What brought you to USI?
MD: always wanted to go into the nursing program and I knew we really had a good nursing program here. It just felt right for me.
The Shield: When did you start playing softball?
MD: I started in fall of 2011 here. I played t-ball when I was 5 years old, so I’ve been playing for quite awhile.
The Shield: What position(s) do you play?
MD: I play catcher, some second base, shortstop and occasionally first base.
The Shield: What do you think it takes to play college softball?
MD: It takes a lot of heart and dedication and time management. You have to focus on your studies as well as softball. You definitely have to have time management.
The Shield: What do you enjoy the most about the sport?
MD: I enjoy the team and how it feels like a family. The coach is like my mom and the girls are like my sisters. The upperclassmen showed me around campus when I first came here. If I came to college without a sport to play I’d feel like an outcast.
The Shield: How do you motivate yourself for a big game?
MD: (I) listen to some music, sometimes. I also have a motivational book called “Mind Gym” by Gary Mack and David Casstevens that I’ve been reading. It kind of talks about how to come out of slumps and setbacks so I don’t get mad on the field and mess up my game.
The Shield: Are there any professional athletes that you look up to?
MD: This year, Matt Carpenter, who plays for the Cardinals. I try to do a lot of the same things for my team that he’s been doing for the Cardinals.
The Shield: Do you have any other role models that inspire you to do well at the sport?
MD: My mom and dad. They push me and they expected a lot (out) of me growing up. They’re the reason I’m where I’m at today. Without their support and drive, I would not be here.
The Shield: What have you done to improve your game during the time you have been playing?
MD: I’ve been working a lot on my mental game. The game is very physical, but you have to have a good mental state for the game. Also, I’ve been spending time in the gym and I’ve put in a few extra hours here and there. All those things together got me here.
The Shield: Do you have any goals you’d like to achieve in the sport?
MD: My biggest goal is to be an All-American, but you have to take steps and achieve little goals to get there.
The Shield: What is your favorite moment in your softball career so far?
MD: It would be when our pitcher, Brooke Harmening, threw a no-hitter while I was catching. Just to be part of that was a great experience for me.
The Shield: How is the team doing?
MD: We’re actually third in the east division. It’s a little under our expectations but we’re on an upward slope and with a good push here at the end of the season hopefully we’ll achieve our goals.
The Shield: What do you think of your team’s chances for success this season?
MD: I feel like if we keep going at the pace we are going, we can hopefully excel at regionals and get the championship.
The Shield: Do you have any plans to stay connected to the sport after college?
MD: Right now, I’m thinking about going into a graduate program. I’m very much thinking about coaching in the future. I definitely want to keep the sport in my life.
The Shield: What is your career plan?
MD: Coaching, if that works out. I’m a health administration major so I’m looking into maybe working at a nursing home or hospital. I haven’t really figured it out yet.
The Shield: Any final comments you’d like to say about the team or yourself?
MD: This team is a privilege to be a part of. We are full of seniors and they have been exceptional as leaders. It’s going to be different next year, but I can’t wait to see what it holds for us.
