During varsity basketball season, junior Mackenzie Parsons can be found on the court. But before and after, Parsons turns her attention to Volleyball, the second sport that consumes her life.  

Parsons plays center position for the Poway High school basketball team. She started playing when she was five, due to her family being very basketball-oriented. 

   “Mackenzie is a playmaker. She is one of the leading scorers on the team,” coach Carissa Jones-Fletcher said. 

   Although it is Jones-Fletcher’s first year as head coach for Parsons, she was her assistant coach for the last two years. Jones-Fletcher said she looks for a player who is not afraid to ask questions and is constantly looking for ways to better her game, which is everything Parsons is. 

   But basketball isn’t the only sport that takes up Parsons’s time. 

   When asked if she had a favorite sport to play, Parsons could not choose.

   “They’re so different, I don’t think I have a favorite, but I enjoy playing them together because of the balance,” Parsons said.  

   Parsons plays middle position for the Poway Varsity Girls’ Volleyball team as well as club volleyball. 

   Although she has been at times overwhelmed playing both sports at the same time, she said she felt the result was worth it in the end. Playing the two sports gives her “something to do. “

   Parsons held the highest hitting percentage in California for the last high school volleyball season at 0.52. She also was invited to the Under Armor All- American camp two years in a row, in 2020 and 2021. 

   Parsons has played for varsity volleyball Coach Breezy Ambort for two years.

  “She keeps things fun. She’s a critical part to the team’s success on and off the court,” Ambort said. 

   Parsons is a huge offensive threat on the court and a massive goofball off the court with solo dance performances for her team.

   Parsons’s volleyball teammate Madison Barawid had positive experiences on and off the court. 

   “I can always turn to her for uplifting comments. Whether it’s on or off the court, she brings so much joy and laughter to those around her.” Barawid said.