Smackover’s Preston staying focused on trio of sports
Smackover's Mackenzie Preston competed in both golf and tennis during the Fall athletic season. So, the sophomore knows how to manage her time. Handling an unusual amount of free time, however, has been a different story.
The three-sport athlete saw her softball season end prematurely due to COVID-19. Her summer softball season also has a question mark.
Preston was the 8-3A singles champion in tennis and led the Lady Bucks to third place in the 3A State Golf Tournament. She said she's been focusing on all three sports during the coronavirus quarantine.
“I've been practicing when I get the chance,” she said. “I'll go up to the tennis courts with friends and I have practiced golf the past few weeks. I have also practiced softball with my dad in the yard since we haven't been able to get on the field.”
For Preston, golf and tennis went off without a hitch and with considerable success. Softball, however, has taken a considerable hit.
“Well, during the summer I normally play tournament softball but because of this virus I haven't been able to and it's been really disappointing not being able to play,” she said. “It's really sad that we didn't get to finish the (high school) season because I felt this was going to be one of the best seasons we've had and I believe we had a good chance to do well in State.”
With softball in jeopardy, Preston said she has zoned in on golf and tennis.
“I've still been able to practice them when I can to get prepared for next year,” she said. “When practicing those sports, I really don't have to have contact with many people to try to improve. In tennis, either my parents or a friend will go to the courts to play and in golf, I can play rounds by myself to improve my game.”
As for summer softball?
“I am on a travel team and I've heard that they are trying to get tournaments together and I really hope they do because I miss my sport so much,” she said.
The junior-to-be said her goals for next season are to win state in tennis and just try to improve. Hopefully, the COVID-19 nightmare will be over.
“I am concerned because I have heard that this could continue into next school year and I don't want it to be a repeat of this past year,” she said. “I miss sports and I'm just ready to play.”