Meet Mckenzie Siroky

When McKenzie was younger, swimming was more of a fun, seasonal activity than a serious pursuit. Encouraged by her mom, who was a collegiate swimmer at Michigan State University and coached the local summer swim league, she dabbled in swimming while hockey remained her focus. She played year-round, with swim taking a backseat as a casual summer pastime. But when she joined the high school swim team, she began to see swimming in a new light, discovering a passion that would grow stronger over time.

A significant turning point came when, at twelve years old, McKenzie lost her mom to brain cancer. Her mom had been her biggest supporter, guiding her into the world of swimming and always encouraging her to push forward. The loss was devastating, and it was especially challenging because swimming had always been tied to her mom’s influence and motivation. Yet, through the pain, she found strength, and the memory of her mom continued to fuel her determination. In her junior year, she had committed to playing hockey at the collegiate level, but in her senior year, she made the courageous decision to switch to swimming and pursue it at the University of Tennessee.

The transition was not without its challenges—learning the nuances of competitive swimming, adapting to new training styles, and navigating the mental and emotional hurdles of switching sports. But through it all, McKenzie learned to embrace discomfort, understanding that growth often comes from pushing through the tough moments. She also learned that enjoying the process, and trusting in her journey, was just as important as any victory. Even now, she knows her mom is watching over her, cheering her on every step of the way.