McKenzie was born in Roswell, Georgia. She attended Roswell High School, where she is the school’s all-time leading scorer.[2][3] She played club for UFA Milton after switching to the team in eighth grade and helped lead the team to three Georgia State Cup championships.[4] McKenzie was the 2018 7A Player of the Year and was named to the All-Region Team in all four years of her high school career. She also ran track in her senior year and was a letterwinner in cross-country. In 2019, McKenzie placed third at the Georgia 7A state championship in the 800M.[2][5]
College career
McKenzie attended the University of Georgia, where she played for the Georgia Bulldogs for five seasons.[2] McKenzie scored her first collegiate goal on September 9, 2021, in a 5–1 victory over Presbyterian.[6] In her senior year, McKenzie took part in her team's first NCAA appearance in 8 years. The Bulldogs' tournament ended in the second round after facing defeat at the hands of North Carolina.[7] During McKenzie's final year of college, UGA won both the SEC East season title and the SEC Championship for the first time in program history.[8] In the SEC Championship match, McKenzie forced an own goal from an Arkansas defender; the goal would end up being the match's game-winner.[9] She also played a key role in the semifinal game, scoring and tallying an assist.[10] Georgia ended the season with the highest ranking in program history. McKenzie was named to the SEC All-Tournament Team and the Academic All-District Team in 2023.[2][11]
McKenzie left the program as the leader in career appearances at 98 and fourth in assists with 22. She also scored 6 goals while primarily playing as a wingback, although officially listed as a midfielder.[2][6][12][13]
Club career
Portland Thorns FC
McKenzie was originally not mentioned in Portland Thorns FC's 2024 preseason roster.[14] However, going into the Coachella Invitational Tournament, the Thorns elected to add McKenzie to their squad as a non-roster invitee due to key international absences.[15] On March 21, 2024, the Thorns offered McKenzie her first professional contract for the 2024 season.[16] She made her professional debut in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup against Club Tijuana.[17] She started all three Summer Cup matches and registered an assist against the Utah Royals.[18][19] McKenzie later made her NWSL debut against NJ/NY Gotham FC on August 24, replacing Alexa Spaanstra in the 78th minute of the match.[20] In December 2024, the Thorns re-signed McKenzie to a one-year contract extension.[21]
Career statistics
Club
As of December 22, 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
