Meet the Team Monday: Cross Country - John McKenzie - University of North Florida Athletics

What's your name and year?
John McKenzie, Freshman

What's your major?
My major is Civil Engineering.

What's your dream career?
My dream career is to help others and share Christ through Civil Engineering, and possibly coaching XC and Track.

In 10 years, where do you want to be?
In 10 years, I see myself still running and putting on a smile. I would be out of school in the workforce earning a living. Hopefully by then I would have found a wife to put up with me, and we would have a family. Ultimately, I'm just along for the ride and ready to go where God takes me.

Why do you play this sport?
I run XC and Track because I love the sport. I know from an outside perspective that seems crazy, but there is actually a lot that keeps me in the sport. It has taught me so many lessons in life and made me the person I am today. I am so thankful for the ability to run!

Do you have a favorite moment in your playing career?
My favorite moment in my running career is when my high school team, Seffner Christian Academy, won the FHSAA 1a XC State title. Considering my team was four people deep freshman year, it is a miracle that we won my senior year.

Who/what inspires you?
I am inspired by my father. No one is perfect, but I see a lot of good values in him. He is able to balance discipline and love at the same time. He is fair, just, and forgiving. I can count on him to be my biggest cheerleader in my races. It's always nice to have him hug me after races even though I am still sweaty.

What is something about you that people wouldn't expect?
People wouldn't expect me to ever get that hype because I am normally not the one to escalate things, but every now and then I get in the mood to be energetic.

What's your proudest achievement?
My proudest achievement is being able to run at UNF. I am so thankful to be here, and I know big things are too come.

What's the most valuable piece of advice you have received?

The most valuable advice I have received is from my Grandfather. I was telling him about some conflict I had in my life and he said, "adapt and overcome." That advise might come from somewhere else, but I got it from my Grandfather. How a person acts in the face of adversity is what defines them. This quote reminds me to not be defeated by the problems I face.

Pre-match meal?
My favorite pre-race meal is chicken fettuccini alfredo. I ate it before almost every state meet in high school.

Pre-game music?
My favorite pre-race music is "Come Alive" by Lauren Daigle. When I hear this song, I know I am more than just skin and bones, and I can accomplish things greater than myself.

Favorite hobby?
One of my favorite hobbies is either doing jigsaw puzzles or board games. I enjoy testing my brain in puzzles and the competition in board games.

What does it mean to be a student-athlete?
A student-athlete is just what it says. It's a student who is also an athlete. It means that there is a responsibility to both academics and sport. Another part of being a student-athlete is representing their school. Being a student-athlete at UNF, I strive to represent my school in the best way possible.

Meet the Team Monday: Cross Country - John McKenzie

Players Mentioned

John McKenzie

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