Mackenzie Hicks – A Queenslander’s Journey at the Barclay Cup
At just 13 years old, Queenslander Mackenzie Hicks stepped out of her comfort zone to play at the Barclay Cup as a friendship player with Baseball NSW’s Cinda Spirit team. It was an experience that brought new challenges, new friendships, and a bronze medal.
Playing with a team from another state wasn’t just about competing for Mackenzie—it was an opportunity to learn, connect with teammates, and grow as a player. From the nervous first moments of meeting her new team to the highlights of singing, dancing, and playing in a nail-biting semifinal, Mackenzie embraced every aspect of the experience.
Her coach, Tahnee Lovering, praised Mackenzie’s contributions to the team both on and off the field: “Having Mackenzie as an interstate pick-up was great for us. She came in to pitch when we needed her to and had some solid hits throughout the week. Most importantly, she really bonded with her teammates with ease. Watching her interact and laugh with the girls made it clear how much she enjoyed it and how valuable building friendships in tournament baseball can be.”
Baseball NSW Communications Manager, Georgia Marino says, “The Barclay Cup offers an opportunity for young girls to follow in the footsteps of Jacinda Barclay, a pioneer not only in Women’s baseball, but women’s sport as a whole. Her spirit lives on in the players who participate in this event and get to learn about the impact she had in baseball. We especially appreciate Jacinda’s family and all the coaching staff who had the pleasure of knowing Jacinda and have been integral in continuing and sharing her legacy with the next generation of female baseballers!”
We spoke with Mackenzie to hear about her time with the Cinda Spirit team, her proudest moments, and what she would say to others who might find themselves in her shoes.
Starting Out
Q: How did you feel when you found out you’d be playing with a team from another state?
A: When I learned I’d be playing for a NSW team, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement. I was nervous about joining a team where I didn’t know anyone, but I was also excited about the chance to play baseball and meet a lot of new people.
A: When I learned I’d be playing for a NSW team, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement. I was nervous about joining a team where I didn’t know anyone, but I was also excited about the chance to play baseball and meet a lot of new people.
Q: What were you most excited about before the tournament started?
A: I couldn’t wait for the opportunity to play baseball and to make new friends along the way.
A: I couldn’t wait for the opportunity to play baseball and to make new friends along the way.
Being on a New Team
Q: What was it like joining the Cinda Spirit team and meeting new teammates?
A: Being part of the Cinda Spirit team was an amazing experience! From the first night, which was really fun, I met a lot of new people. Everybody was welcoming, and I felt right at home.
A: Being part of the Cinda Spirit team was an amazing experience! From the first night, which was really fun, I met a lot of new people. Everybody was welcoming, and I felt right at home.
Q: Did you make any new friends on the team?
A: Absolutely, I made plenty of new friends, and it was awesome to connect with so many people.
A: Absolutely, I made plenty of new friends, and it was awesome to connect with so many people.
Highlights and Fun Moments
Q: What was your favourite moment from the Barclay Cup?
A: There were so many great moments throughout the week, but my favourites were definitely the singing, dancing, and making team videos for the Barclay Cup.
A: There were so many great moments throughout the week, but my favourites were definitely the singing, dancing, and making team videos for the Barclay Cup.
Q: What was your proudest moment on the field?
A: My proudest moment on the field was when I was up to bat and hit a double to the outfield.
A: My proudest moment on the field was when I was up to bat and hit a double to the outfield.
Q: Was there anything challenging?
A: It was really challenging when I first got to the lodge where we were staying. I didn’t know anyone, and it was difficult to go in because I was really nervous
A: It was really challenging when I first got to the lodge where we were staying. I didn’t know anyone, and it was difficult to go in because I was really nervous
Learning and Growing
Q: Did you learn any new skills or warmups from your new teammates?
A: The Cinda Spirit team were always encouraging each other, and we all got along really well. The coaches were pretty epic too.
A: The Cinda Spirit team were always encouraging each other, and we all got along really well. The coaches were pretty epic too.
Q: How has this experience made you feel about playing baseball?
A: I can’t wait to continue playing baseball and the next Barclay Cup. I also learned a lot about Jacinta Barclay, which was inspiring.
A: I can’t wait to continue playing baseball and the next Barclay Cup. I also learned a lot about Jacinta Barclay, which was inspiring.
Advice for Others
Q: What would you say to other kids who might get the chance to play with a new team?
A: You never know what you might learn about yourself, so don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone.
A: You never know what you might learn about yourself, so don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone.
Mackenzie’s experience at the Barclay Cup highlights the opportunities that come with stepping into something new. At just 13, she’s already shown resilience and determination, leaving with lasting memories and a medal to celebrate her efforts. We can’t wait to see where Mackenzie’s baseball journey takes her next.