While Gorham may be a small town, it seems Mackenzie Holmes, junior and leader on the Gorham Rams Girls Basketball team, is no “small town girl.” She recently signed her commitment letter to become a member of the Indiana Hoosiers in the fall of 2019. The college competes in the Big Ten Conference in NCAA Division I. Holmes visited the campus back in October and said, “I got a feeling there that I didn’t get at any other school. It felt like a place I could call home.”
At the end of the recruitment process, Holmes had about five schools to choose from. Her coach, Laughn Berthiaume, said she put a lot of time and effort into making her college choice.
“They (Indiana coaches) were at a number of our games this season and made numerous other contacts.” He said, “Mackenzie is a unique player in today’s game, basketball has evolved and more players are facing the basket offensively.”
Coach Berthiaume said college coaches really like that Holmes is a true “back to the basket” player who can score with either hand, and has shown the ability to score over players who have more size than her. The Indiana coaches were also impressed with her work ethic and ability to run the floor.
Photo credit Denise HolmesYears ago it wasn’t uncommon to see a young Holmes practicing in her driveway for hours. At times by herself practicing different shots, or with her brother Cameron, honing her offensive as well as her defensive skills. Her work ethic is like no other and it shows on the court; Holmes finished the 2017/2018 season with 464 points, 292 rebounds, 111 blocked shots, and 62 steals.
“Indiana isn’t just getting a skilled player, they will be getting an exceptional leader and teammate,” said Coach Berthiaume.
This is an incredible opportunity, yet Holmes remains humble. For her, what is most important is her family as well as her teammates and their accomplishments together. Her mother, Denise Holmes, recalled her most memorable moment with Mackenzie.
“In the state finals game this year, how she carried herself after the loss. Embracing her teammates, it could have gone many different ways. She gets it. It’s all about the team.”
Denise said they will be planning a trip to visit Indiana and the team this fall. When Mackenzie finally heads to Indiana, she won’t be going alone. Cameron, who is currently attending Bryant University, plans to transfer to Indiana so he can support his little sister. He hopes to be a part of the practice team (consisting of all men) who compete against the women’s team so he can once again support Mackenzie and be there to help improve her play.
Mackenzie said she plans to continue to expand her game and get stronger and better for that level of play. “I am nervous because I know it’s not going to be easy going to school so far away, however, I am excited for the adjustment and what the future holds.”
Her small town of Gorham will be watching.