MacKenna Roberson

MacKenna Roberson is always willing to offer an assist. In her sports career, she became known as a team player that was willing to do anything it takes to win. But perhaps more importantly, Robertson does everything she can to help kids have the opportunity to do the things they love.

Roberson won the Triple Crown award at Hoosick Falls High School for playing a varsity sport each season. She competed in field hockey, basketball, and softball in her time with the Panthers.

“I didn’t get a lot of off days,” Roberson said. “The most important thing was to take the time I did have to relax or do mobility work and get sleep to be prepared to whatever is coming next.”

Softball is the sport Roberson played the longest. Her experience was an asset to her team since she could play several different positions. As the only upperclassman on the team during both her junior and senior years, Roberson quickly found herself in a leadership role.

“I had to step up,” she said. “The other players trusted me, it was easy to form a connection. I was the only one who knew everything in and out.”

“MacKenna exemplifies the qualities that every coach hopes to find in their players,” Hoosick Falls Head Softball Coach Nicole Martin said. “Beyond her athletic abilities, MacKenna is also a natural leader and a positive influence on her teammates.”

That leadership was prevalent on the Field Hockey pitch as well. Though Roberson was a two-time first team All-Star and an All-State selection, she said she found her role on the team helping others score.

“In field hockey, I tried to be a helping hand,” she said. “I enjoyed being more of the assist player on the team.”

Yet, on the basketball court, Roberson helps her team out as one of the team’s main scorers. With an inexperienced team, she had to step into more of a scoring role. Roberson was named Rookie of the Year in 2021 and MVP in 2022 and 2023.

“A lot of the people on the team were new to the sport,” she said. “I had to step up and score, play defense, and do a lot.”

While spending most of her high school days playing sports, Roberson also spent time making others could enjoy sports in the same way she did. Working with the EC Fund, Roberson helped raise money to provide scholarships for local youth to participate in extracurricular activities like sports, music, and arts. For Roberson, it’s a cause that’s close to her heart.

“I didn’t have the easiest life growing up,” she said. “The EC Fund was always there for me. I want them to know how grateful I am.”

As a recipient of a scholarship from the EC Fund, Roberson knows exactly what this kind of support means. She now speaks on behalf of the organization to encourage others to donate if they can and use the Fund if they need it.

“I’m trying to let kids know it’s ok to ask for help,” she said. “Everyone is just looking for money these days with AAU teams and club sports. It’s a lot of money to play, and there’s not a lot of opportunities for free. I want people to be able to get better at things that matter to them.”

If any young athlete in Hoosick Falls needed help finding a role model, MacKenna Roberson would be an excellent one. Her kindness and determination are evident in everything she does on and off the field.

“To me the award means more than just a trophy or medal I will receive,” she said. “I couldn’t imagine getting this award as my dream was to hold myself to the highest standard both in the classroom and on the field or court. I couldn’t be more thankful for this award and it shows me that no matter where you come from or who you are, you can succeed and achieve your goals.”