Mackensey Parker is one of the best players from the Chicago, Illinois area in the Class of 2021.
The 5-foot-5 Parker, who attends Crown Point High School, is a dynamic player that works as a center back on defense.
Parker, who plays for the Indiana Elite FC, helped the club finish second in the President’s Cup and reach the semifinals of the SuperY Nationals.
Parker is humbled for the chance to showcase her skills.
“The recognition means a lot because it shows that people see our hard work and we can see that our hard work and dedication is paying off,” Parker said. “The experience was great, we had a lot of competition and it really helped us grow as a team and as individuals.”
No matter the opponent, every match Parker is determined to give it her all.
Parker is going all out.
The motor is always at full throttle whenever Parker steps between the lines.
“My mindset at my position is to stay focused and win every ball that I can, and to make sure I talk to my teammates so they have other options as to what to do with the ball,” Parker said.
Parker has great passion and energy whenever she’s on the field. Parker tells why she enjoys the game of soccer so much.
“I love being on the field with other amazing soccer players and to be able to share the excitement and intensity with them,” Parker said.
Parker has learned many valuable lessons from playing soccer that she applies to his everyday life.
The main one is applying perspective to all situations.
“Playing has taught me to be selfless and think about others more,” Parker said.
Parker recalls her favorite soccer memory.
“My favorite memory of playing is going to SuperY nationals in Bradenton, Florida and making it to semifinals,” Parker said. “That’s a special moment that I’m never going to forget.”
Semir Mesanovic has been Parker’s coach for the Indiana Elite for the last four years.
Mesanovic explains the best parts of Parker’s game.
“She is a very smart and technical player. She helps her team defend and also builds up play,” Mesanovic said. “She is a smart player that reads the game really well. She relies on mental awareness, and overall is a technically sold player. The other team has to be aware of her at all times.”
Parker takes her role as one of the leaders on the team very seriously. Parker makes sure she’s a daily positive influence on her peers.
“I demonstrate being a good teammate by being positive and talking to my teammates,” Parker said. “I think the best advice I have given to one of my teammates is to stay calm on the ball and stay positive.”
Mesanovic adds that Parker is one of those consummate teammates that every squad needs to be successful.
“She leads by example on and off the field,” Mesanovic said. “That attitude has a contagious effect on the rest of the team. She’s like an extension of the coaching staff on the field.”
Parker is appreciative of having amazing male role models that are supportive.
“I have learned to be respectful to everyone on the field and to never take playing for granted,” Parker said. “The best advice I have received from a coach is even if you make a mistake, keep your head in the game and keep playing how you know how to.”
Mesanovic is an advocate of Parker’s capabilities.
“She helped the team reach current MRL status at her age,” Mesanovic said. “We wouldn’t have had that kind of success without her strong play and contributions on the field.”
In addition to making clutch plays, Parker also has a high level of soccer IQ as well.
Parker has excellent awareness that puts her in position to thrive.
“She’s a good passer of the ball, helps build the play,” Mesanovic said. “She’s a very smart player that uses her intelligence to her advantage.”
Parker is on the grind to perfect and hone her craft in any way possible.
“She is very reliable, consistent and has excellent work ethic. She is overall a good team player,” Mesanovic said. “She’s a very hard working player.”
Mesanovic raves about the characteristics of Parker.
“Mickie is unique to her style,” Mesanovic said. “She’s a very smart and overall great team player.”
Parker patterns her play after this standout.
“A player I look up to is Becky Sauerbrunn because she always fights for the ball, makes runs up, and makes plays simple,” Parker said.
Parker is constantly striving for greatness in everything that she does.
“My goals on and off the field are to be successful and make my family proud,” Parker said. “My goals off the field are to maintain good grades and get into a good college so that I am able to get a good job that I enjoy and build a good future for myself.”
Parker wants to continue playing soccer in the Midwest at the collegiate level.
“My dream college is IUPUI because they are a really good school with a great soccer team,” Parker said. “I can see myself being a good fit in their program.”
Parker lists English as her favorite subject in school.
“I like to read stories and I like to write,” Parker said. “English has always been a very fun subject to me.”
Mesanovic believes Parker is determined take her game to the next level.
“She is working on fitness, quickness and speed to become a high level status athlete,” Mesanovic said. “I am confident she will improve in these categories and become even more potent as a player.”
Mesanovic believes the sky is the limit as long as Parker continues to stay hungry.
“She has the potential to play at a college level at a high level,” Mesanovic said. “Sacrifice and hard work and determination will get her to that point.”
Speak with a Youth1 Recruiting Counselor
Youth1’s Recruiting Counselors are on a mission to educate you on the recruiting process - one that's very competitive and starts early. Let us provide guidance through the most important decisions that shape your athlete's journey in sports.
Learn how to become a recruitable student-athlete, find out what colleges you match best with, and get the ability to message college coaches directly with a specialized recruiting package.
Don't wait, schedule a time to speak with a Youth1 Recruiting Counselor. It's FREE! Just fill out the following information and then select a date and time in the form below.
This article was written and posted by one of our talented contributors. If you think you've got the writing, research and social media skills to join Youth1's freelance team then send a resume and writing sample to [email protected] for consideration.