Northwest Herald Athlete of the Week: Jacobs’ Mackenzie Leahy

Jacobs senior guard Mackenzie Leahy has been on a tear to start the season and scored a program-record 37 points against Larkin on Dec. 4, hitting 15 of 20 shots and seven 3-pointers.

Leahy’s hot shooting has coincided with a strong start to the season for the Golden Eagles (6-5), who have won four straight games entering Monday. Leahy’s 37-point outburst earned her the Northwest Herald Athlete of the Week, which is voted on by readers.

Leahy answered a few questions about her record-setting performance, the key to her team’s start, her dream job and more.

[  Girls basketball notes: ‘She can do it all’ Mackenzie Leahy leads Jacobs to promising start ]

What do you remember most about your 37-point performance against Larkin?

Leahy: What I remember most was how natural my shot felt during warmups. I was seeing the ball go in and as soon as I saw the other team playing a zone, I knew I would get open 3s. I was in the zone and shooting with no hesitation, which helped my 3s go in.

What has been the key to your team’s start to the season?

Leahy: I think the key is improving each and every game. We’ve had games with numerous turnovers, but everyone is making an effort to adjust and fix our mistakes.

Do you have any rituals or superstitions before you play?

Leahy: I don’t have any special rituals before game besides a few specific stretches to warm up. However, our team loves eating bananas before games.

What’s the best piece of advice you ever have received?

Leahy: One of my favorite pieces of advice is that the only person who needs to believe in you is yourself.

If you could have a sandwich named in your honor, what would be on it and what would you call it?

Leahy: It would be called “Mackenzie’s Tuna Sub.” It would have tuna, cheese, lettuce, onion and mayo.

What would be your dream job?

Leahy: I would love to operate my own business someday.

How would your teammates describe you?

Leahy: I would say I’m a competitive and intense teammate. My teammates know that I like to keep drills competitive and I always try to win. I also love to celebrate my teammates’ success on the court.

What’s your favorite part about playing basketball?

Leahy: What I love about basketball is the creativity, teamwork and thought that goes into the sport. There are so many different ways to score. It’s fast paced, so you don’t have much time to think, causing you to have make quick decisions. You learn to trust your teammates and everyone has a role.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Leahy: I like playing sports other than basketball, watching movies, shopping and occasionally drawing or painting.

If you were going to focus on a different sport, what would you want to be good at?

Leahy: I would probably focus on soccer because I used to play.

What are things you’re still working on for the rest of the season?

Leahy: I’m still working on handling the ball under pressure, finding new ways to score and finish, boxing out and creating opportunities to score.