Boren hoping to ‘lead by example’ at Covenant

A multi-sport athlete at Ridgeland, Macie Boren has practically lived on campus for the better part of the last four years.

Between cross country in the fall, basketball in the winter, soccer in the spring and workouts and practices over the summer, Boren has earned a reputation among all of her coaches for her dedication and commitment.

Come this fall, she’ll attend college and for the first time in a long while, maybe forever, Boren will concentrate on just one sport. At least for now.

Boren signed paperwork with nearby Covenant College in front of friends, family, coaches and teammates at RHS on Thursday. The senior will be going to play basketball, but said she hasn’t ruled out possibly trying to play soccer for the Lady Scots at some point down the road.

“I’m very excited,” she smiled. “This means the world to me. It’s something that I’ve worked for since I was in the first grade. I’ve put my heart and soul into it, but it definitely wouldn’t mean anything without God. He’s done absolutely everything for me and He’s the reason why I’m here.”

Boren also credited her family for their support.

“They took me to every practice and made sure that I got there and stayed on track,” she added.

Boren has been a four-year player in all three sports and starter for the vast majority of her career, whether that was as one of the starting seven for the cross country team, the point guard on the basketball team, or as a backline standout on the soccer pitch.

She capped her athletic career this spring by helping the Lady Panthers qualify for the state soccer tournament for the first time since 1998.

Head basketball coach Michael Baker called Boren “a tremendous asset” and “a great ambassador” for sports at Ridgeland and for the school itself.

“She stays busy all year long,” he explained. “Every season, three sports, all summer long. I don’t know if she ever rests. She’s a hardworking, determined girl and I think that rubs off on other people a lot. She has a lot of drive. She doesn’t miss practices and she’s always there on time. She’s usually the first one in the gym and anytime we have anything extra, she’s there.”

Boren said she chose Covenant for the school’s atmosphere.

“I love the atmosphere and the family environment there,” she explained. “I love that it’s very Christian-oriented and I love their beliefs. I feel like everyone there is truly going to help me and wants the best for me.

“I’m going to try to be the best leader that I can be and lead by example, as always. I just want to put in my heart and soul and give it my all.”

“(Covenant) is getting someone who’s very coachable,