Mackenzie Smith has always held a deep love for sports, starting early with soccer and lacrosse but eventually finding her true passion in basketball. Mackenzie has a strong pull to help others, not only helping them in finding themselves through sport but also in their everyday lives. Mackenzie has committed herself to this by pursuing a career as a primary care paramedic and now she wishes to help athletes develop the same love and passion she found in sport.

Mackenzie first started playing basketball later than most, starting around age 13. Before basketball found itself at the centre of Mackenzie’s life, she had soccer and lacrosse, and was always an active child growing up. Mackenzie was recognized through the years as a very passionate child that was going to be involved in sports her entire life. And so far that has been the case. Mackenzie played for Capilano University from 2017-2023 as a basketball player and has since transitioned into officiating the game. During this time at Capilano Mackenzie obtained her Bachelors of Kinesiology with a focus on exercise physiology. Mackenzie faced some challenges in her collegiate career. Most notably the Covid-19 pandemic, which challenged her resolve to the game and her studies. Mackenzie dedicated herself to her basketball career, helping to foster a culture of excellence at Capilano both through helping teammates understand their value and skill.

Some notable achievements of her collegiate career:
• 2022-23 – PACWEST Silver Medal
• 2022-23 – Joe Iacobellis Award
• 2021-22 – Joe Iacobellis Award
• 2019-20 – PACWEST Second Team All-Star
• 2019-20 – PACWEST Silver Medal
• 2019-20 – William McEwen Memorial Award
• 2018-19 – PACWEST Second Team All-Star
• 2018-19 – PACWEST Silver Medal
• 2017-18 – PACWEST Gold Medal
• 2017-18 – PACWEST All-Rookie Team

After graduating Mackenzie went into the workforce, working at ICBC for a time before pursuing a career in paramedicine. Mackenzie also transitioned into officiating the game at this time. She has been a high school referee for over two years now. This has allowed her to stay connected to the game as well as see the passion in the players that she has. She is a member of the Greater Vancouver Basketball Officials Association and has formed many connections with other members.

Education
• 2017- High school diploma
• 2023- Bachelors of Kinesiology, Capilano University
• 2024- Emergency Medical Responder Certificate
• 2025- Primary Care Paramedic Certificate
• 4x Honourable Mention Blues Scholar Athlete

<--[button link="https://portal.athletesunited.ca/practitioners/1468874040679598890" type="small" color="red" newwindow="yes"] BOOK AN APPOINTMENT[/button]!-->