Senior Spotlight: Mackenzie Hernandez Q&A
11/20/2018 | Volleyball
It's Senior Week for Arizona volleyball, which will celebrate the careers of Kendra Dahlke, Mackenzie Hernandez and Victoria Svorinic on Wednesday prior to the match vs. California at 4 p.m. MST. The 2018 senior class will go down as one of the most successful in school history, with three seasons of at least 19 wins, two NCAA Tournament appearances with a potential for a third (to be determined this week) and 70 total wins entering Wednesday's match. The three seniors sat down with ArizonaWildcats.com to discuss their time at Arizona and what their hopes and plans are for post-graduation in a Q&A to be released this week during senior week.
Monday, Nov. 19: Kendra Dahlke
Tuesday, Nov. 20: Mackenzie Hernandez
Wednesday, Nov. 21: Victoria Svorinic
The Arizona-Bakersfield connection runs deep. In 1992, Arizona head coach Dave Rubio came to Tucson from Cal State Bakersfield, where he helped build a Division II powerhouse in the late 80s, early 90s. There, he coached Lea Icardo, the aunt of Mackenzie Hernandez.
So, two years ago, when Hernandez, a Bakersfield native, was looking to advance on her volleyball career after an all-conference career at Bakersfield College, a two-year school, Arizona was a natural fit.
Now, two years later, Hernandez is wrapping up her Arizona career. Her impact has been immense in her two seasons in Tucson. For two years, Hernandez has excelled as the team's backup setter, a very important position that may not receive the same glory or recognition as the starters, but is a very important one for the Wildcats.
"She's made such a big an impact on the team," said Rubio. "If you talk to anyone on the team, they'll tell you how important [Mackenzie Hernandez] is to us. For the people outside, they may not realize all that she does for us. Behind the scenes, in practices and with the extensive scouting reports we do, our team wouldn't be as successful as we've been without Mackenzie Hernandez running the second side. Without her, we wouldn't be where we are right now."
The 5-11, Bakersfield, California native will graduate with a degree in psychology with a minor in sports management. Hernandez is going to school to be an EMT and would like to be an orthopedic surgeon or eventually work for a professional sports team.
Mackenzie Hernandez Q&A
Q: What has been your favorite part (non-volleyball related) of your time at Arizona?
A: My favorite part is going to eat at all of the great places in Tucson.
Q: What has been your favorite part of playing volleyball at Arizona?
A: I loved the girls that I have met. I believe I have made life long friends being in this program.
Q: Do you have a favorite memory that sticks out in your mind from your time here?
A: I loved seeing snow fall for the first time In Colorado. I am from California so I have never experienced that before this year.
Q: What will you take away most from your time with Coach Rubio and the rest of the staff?
A: I have taking away how to be mentally strong. I have been tested mentally these last two more in volleyball then I ever have before. It really taught me to grow up and really taught me how to grind in everything in life. I know that I can accomplish almost anything mentally.
Q: Who would you say has had the biggest impact on your time at Arizona?
A: My Family has had the biggest impact on my time at Arizona. They have supported me unconditionally and I can never imagine going through such an important time of my life with out the support of my family. I would love to give a special shout out to all of my girls on my team. Congrats to the Seniors to making it! And all of my best friends on my team I could have never made it through with out you guys being on my side 100%.
Monday, Nov. 19: Kendra Dahlke
Tuesday, Nov. 20: Mackenzie Hernandez
Wednesday, Nov. 21: Victoria Svorinic
The Arizona-Bakersfield connection runs deep. In 1992, Arizona head coach Dave Rubio came to Tucson from Cal State Bakersfield, where he helped build a Division II powerhouse in the late 80s, early 90s. There, he coached Lea Icardo, the aunt of Mackenzie Hernandez.
So, two years ago, when Hernandez, a Bakersfield native, was looking to advance on her volleyball career after an all-conference career at Bakersfield College, a two-year school, Arizona was a natural fit.
Now, two years later, Hernandez is wrapping up her Arizona career. Her impact has been immense in her two seasons in Tucson. For two years, Hernandez has excelled as the team's backup setter, a very important position that may not receive the same glory or recognition as the starters, but is a very important one for the Wildcats.
"She's made such a big an impact on the team," said Rubio. "If you talk to anyone on the team, they'll tell you how important [Mackenzie Hernandez] is to us. For the people outside, they may not realize all that she does for us. Behind the scenes, in practices and with the extensive scouting reports we do, our team wouldn't be as successful as we've been without Mackenzie Hernandez running the second side. Without her, we wouldn't be where we are right now."
The 5-11, Bakersfield, California native will graduate with a degree in psychology with a minor in sports management. Hernandez is going to school to be an EMT and would like to be an orthopedic surgeon or eventually work for a professional sports team.
Mackenzie Hernandez Q&A
Q: What has been your favorite part (non-volleyball related) of your time at Arizona?
A: My favorite part is going to eat at all of the great places in Tucson.
Q: What has been your favorite part of playing volleyball at Arizona?
A: I loved the girls that I have met. I believe I have made life long friends being in this program.
Q: Do you have a favorite memory that sticks out in your mind from your time here?
A: I loved seeing snow fall for the first time In Colorado. I am from California so I have never experienced that before this year.
Q: What will you take away most from your time with Coach Rubio and the rest of the staff?
A: I have taking away how to be mentally strong. I have been tested mentally these last two more in volleyball then I ever have before. It really taught me to grow up and really taught me how to grind in everything in life. I know that I can accomplish almost anything mentally.
Q: Who would you say has had the biggest impact on your time at Arizona?
A: My Family has had the biggest impact on my time at Arizona. They have supported me unconditionally and I can never imagine going through such an important time of my life with out the support of my family. I would love to give a special shout out to all of my girls on my team. Congrats to the Seniors to making it! And all of my best friends on my team I could have never made it through with out you guys being on my side 100%.
Players Mentioned
Tuesday, August 18
Tuesday, August 18
Tuesday, August 18
Wednesday, July 15
