Tingle leads James Wood In The Right Direction
James Wood MacKenzie Tingle
James Woods Mackenzie Tingle witnessed the impact that high school sports can have on a child at a young age. "My sisters played high school sports and my dad was the Athletic Director at James Wood, so you could say that I spent a lot of time watching different teams and sports," adds Tingle. Those experiences and Mackenzie's physical skills have allowed her to become a very good athlete for the James Wood Colonels.
Mackenzie is entering her junior year at James Wood and will be a starter for the volleyball team for her third consecutive year. Mackenzie is the leader of the Colonels Volleyball team and she takes great pride in her role on the team. "My position as the setter means that I am responsible for all of the players on the court, sort of like the quarterback on the football team," adds Tingle. The junior excels at her position and her leadership role by demonstrating a positive attitude and by being calm in pressure situations. James Wood Coach Milton is proud to have Tingle on her team,"Mackenzie always pushes herself and her teammates to play better today than the day before. She is a major part of our team."
Mackenzie loves the sport of volleyball so much that it has become a year round sport for her. "I am always competing in volleyball. I play during the fall for James Wood and in the off season I travel to camps and play on the NVVA club team in Fauquier," stated MacKenzie.The club season has allowed Mackenzie to travel to new places and has put her up against some difficult competition. "Last spring my club team beat the number three ranked team in the nation. That was an awesome experience," says Tingle.
Tingle feels very fortunate to have a great coaching and support staff around her. "Coach Milton really leans on me in terms of leading by example; she has put a lot of responsibility on me and I am proud that she believes in me," says Tingle.Mackenzie also credits her club coaches for her development in volleyball, "Coach Story and Hicklin have really given me a lot of confidence and they are constantly challenging me as a player."
High School sports are great ways to meet many new people and develop lasting friendships. Mackenzie believes that the sport of volleyball has allowed her to meet many of her closest friends. "My teammates mean the world to me. Blair Wampler and I have played volleyball together for five years and I have really enjoyed our friendship on and off the court."
Last season the Colonels finished the year with an impressive 18-4 record. Tingle feels that 2006 will be an even better year, "I think we will be very competitive this year because of our talent and our great team unity. We all believe in each other." Expect James Wood to be a major contender to win the Northwest District Volleyball title this season.
