Special thanks to Miley Pegg for her assistance with this article.

Before she ever stepped onto the mat, Mackensie Szajda did not picture herself as a wrestler. Now, the sport has become one of the most defining parts of her life.

With whistles blowing and cheers echoing through the room, wrestling is more than just a sport—it is a test of endurance, discipline and mental strength. For Mackensie, it has become a place where she pushes herself beyond limits she once thought impossible.

As a child, Mackensie always wanted to pursue a career in the medical field, and to this day she still plans to follow her dream of becoming a pediatric anesthesiologist. Her journey into a physical and demanding sport like wrestling, however, was unexpected. As a kid, Mackensie described herself as a “girly girl,” but that perception changed when her friends convinced her to try wrestling. She quickly fell in love with the sport, becoming a strong competitor while breaking stereotypes and proving that girls can thrive in any sport they choose.

“It pushes me so past the limit that I never thought I would reach,” Mackensie said. “I just grew to love it. Freshman year was hard because I would lose, lose, lose. Then sophomore year, I was so excited for wrestling season, and it grew to be one of my favorite things in the world.”

Mackensie said the sport has challenged her both physically and mentally, pushing her to become more disciplined and determined in all areas of her life.

Mackensie’s family has always been her biggest support system, especially at competitions.

“My mom is always the loudest one there,” Mackensie said. “My coaches were like, ‘Who is that yelling?’ and it was like, ‘Oh, that’s just my mom.’”

Friends and family describe Mackensie as kind, driven and unstoppable.

“Once she puts her mind to it, you cannot stop her,” Tracy Szajda, Mackensie’s mom, said. “She is always willing to seek out new adventures and opportunities.”

Mackensie’s friends echo that sentiment.

“She always considers other people’s feelings,” junior Liv Halminiak said. “She is great at making sure everyone feels included.”

As the oldest of five siblings, Mackensie has developed a strong sense of responsibility and independence. She often takes on a leadership role at home, helping guide her younger brothers and sisters while balancing her own busy schedule.

And while Mackensie’s childhood was filled with energy and fun, her perspective shifted after the loss of her grandfather. The experience deeply affected her and helped her realize the importance of family and making the most of every moment.

“It made me recognize that spending time with your family is very important and made me value family time a lot more,” Mackensie said.

Mackensie’s family poses for a photo during the summer. (Photo courtesy of Mackensie Szajda)

Even through difficult moments, Mackensie has continued to stay positive and focused on her goals.

In addition to balancing cheer and wrestling, Mackensie leads an active lifestyle. She enjoys working with kids and also works a seasonal job at Sonny Acres during the fall, where she meets new people and builds connections. With practices, competitions and work filling her schedule, she has learned how to manage her time and stay organized.

Even with packed days, Mackensie approaches each challenge with a positive mindset and determination that continues to push her forward. Whether she is competing on the mat, supporting her teammates or spending time with her family, she continues to grow into a stronger and more confident version of herself.