Burlington Central’s Mackenzie Lorkowski traced the roots of her career to a small act of rebellion.
The Louisiana Tech-bound senior goalkeeper fondly recalled her motivation to try out at her future position when she was the only 5-year-old girl playing soccer on an all-boys team.
“My mom always told me never to volunteer to go into the goal,” Lorkowski said with a big smile. “I think I did it just to spite her because I knew it would make her mad.
“Her father and my grandfather, Dirk Smith, came from Germany and played here professionally. He was the one who told me I should switch to it full time because it seemed like the best fit.”
Now, Lorkowski is only looking forward as the defensive foundation for the Rockets.
In 61 games since her freshman season on the varsity, Lorkowski has recorded 21 shutouts. As a sophomore, she had 11 shutouts as Burlington Central took fourth place in the state in Class 2A.
Her impact goes beyond the raw numbers, according to senior midfielder Annie Magan.
“At the supersectional game that year, the game was delayed and we were all stressed out,” Magan said. “Kenzie was the one person to step up and motivate the team, especially me.
“She knows how to make everyone feel connected. She just makes you feel important. She reminded us that we are playing for each other.”
Lorkowski stands above the crowd through her steely resolve, conviction and natural leadership.
Senior defender Alison Kowall knows all about what that means for the Rockets.
“She’s a commanding force on and off the field,” Kowall said. “She’s the first one to say good job when I do something well but also always the one who pushes me to become the best I can be.
“She not only never backs down to a challenge but also never gives up when things seem impossible. Last year, she fractured her finger making an amazing save but wanted to stay in the game because she didn’t want to let her team down. Her presence on the field is irreplaceable.”
Lorkowski has the right blend of attitude, toughness, skill and mentality to deal with the volatile emotional and physical demands of being a goalkeeper.
“I’ve always felt like I had strong leadership qualities,” she said. “I knew I wanted to be in a position where I could lead and help my team succeed. I love a challenge.
“It takes a lot of discipline, especially mentally, to stay locked in every moment and not let one play affect the next one. I think I thrive under pressure, and I feel like this position fits me really well.”
Intense on the field but relaxed and comfortable away from the action, Lorkowski owns a natural sense of adventure and lists her favorite activity as hiking.
Last summer, she trekked through the Pacific Northwest, where freedom of the open spaces spoke to her. Soccer does the same as an emotional outlet and artistic pursuit of doing a job right.
“I’m a very outgoing person,” she said. “I’m pretty extroverted and not afraid to talk to people. As a goalkeeper, you can see the entire field, so a lot of our leadership comes through communication.
“You have to be able to tell teammates what you see and help organize things in front of you.”
And as one of 13 seniors for Burlington Central, Lorkowski is ready to take another journey.
“I know the team has my back and I have theirs,” she said. “We really just want to enjoy the last year we have together. We have a very uplifting environment, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
