Senior Mackenzie Bickhaus was titled one out of four Homecoming Court winners this past Friday as the athletics representative. The other three winners include seniors Nadia Ahmed, Brandon Lee and Vince Pappas.

Originally, Bickhaus did not intend to run for Homecoming Court. She impulsively decided to run for fun and knew she had to run in the athletics category. As someone who is usually on the quieter side, Mackenzie has cracked out of her shell by putting herself in the spotlight of Homecoming Court.

“Being an athlete has been my lifestyle. I don’t know what I would do without sports, so I decided I would run for something that I have a lot in common with. I’m appreciative that I won and I feel great that I could represent athletics at West,” Bickhaus said.

As a very active athlete, students agree that Mackenzie’s involvement in sports does not go unnoticed. Not many student-athletes can handle being in sports all three seasons, but Mackenzie is not like many. She’s been involved in volleyball, basketball, track and softball at Niles West. Most notably, she’s the starting setter for volleyball, and the top outfielder and leadoff hitter in softball. Although athletics take up much of her time, she is able to manage both sports and academics.

“She is very dedicated to the sports she plays and is a great team player. I’m excited to see Mack on Homecoming court because she is a great leader and teammate,” senior Delaney Gin said.

Bickhaus has played softball at Niles West on the varsity level since her freshman year. She has displayed tremendous growth during the past four years and strives to achieve all of her goals, as well as help her teammates reach theirs.

“Mack is an outstanding athlete. She has natural athletic ability combined with an unmatched work ethic. She is one of the hardest workers and always gives 100% no matter if it’s a game or a practice. Mack is a great candidate for Homecoming Court because she is a sincere, caring, and compassionate individual. She goes out of her way to help people and is a truly selfless individual. Mack is motivated to be successful in everything she does. She is an exceptional student and an accomplished student-athlete,” Head Softball Coach Christina Rosin said.

Bickhaus is a friendly face to all, including students and staff. With no bad bone in her body, the West community looks forward to seeing Mackenzie progress during her senior year.

“Besides being a great athlete, she’s just a kind, humble and sweet person.  She’s always putting others first and she always carries herself in a positive manner.  It’s been amazing to see her athletic achievements and watch her grow as a person.  I love when our dedicated and hardworking athletes thrive,” Head Strength and Conditioning Coordinator and Bickhaus’ homeroom teacher Thomas Dellota said.

Niles West is excited to see what’s to come this year for Bickhaus. A huge congratulations to Mackenzie for being crowned Homecoming Royalty!