On November 14, Mackenzie Holmes signed her official letter of intent to play women’s basketball at Indiana University where she will compete in the Big Ten Conference in NCAA Division I. Holmes was surrounded by family, friends and many classmates donning Indiana shirts to show their support. Her teammates from the Firecracker AAU program were also on hand to cheer her on.

Holmes took the stage with her brother Cameron, who will be attending Indiana as well, her mother Denise Payette-Holmes, her father and stepmother Lennie and Joan Holmes, and her coaches Don Briggs (AAU) and Laughn Berthiaume (GHS).

In a video before the signing, Indiana Head Coach Teri Moren stated, “Well, we’re real excited about Mackenzie. She is skilled. She runs the court like a guard.” She also shared she’s a kid who has many skills and that she is going to continue to get better.

Mackenzie’s high school coach, Laughn Berthiaume, shared his respect and admiration for her saying, “Mackenzie has been the cornerstone of Gorham High School basketball in one of our most successful eras. She has been a leader on and off the court and has made us very proud.”

Holmes started 64 games as center for the Lady Rams – the most games possible for an athlete to play during his or her high school career. When sharing about Mackenzie’s off the court accomplishments Berthiaume said, “As much as Mackenzie has meant to our program on the court, it is all of the other things that she does that makes her so special to the Gorham community. She leads by example with her work ethic and her love for her teammates brings out the best in the team.”

Proud doesn’t begin to cover how her parents felt on signing day. They have seen Mackenzie grow, and as coaches and former players themselves, know the hard work that goes into reaching the collegiate level. Her mother Denise said, “I felt overjoyed. Seeing her hard work paying off, reaching the goals she set for herself, and watching her evolve through the years has been so much fun for me as her mom. In spite of all the attention, she is unbelievably humble.”

Mackenzie’s father Lennie shared, “As a basketball lifer obviously I am excited and extremely happy for Mackenzie and all she has accomplished as a basketball player – to have the opportunity to play college basketball at the highest level is a testament to the work and commitment she has put in to her game. However, as a dad I am most proud of the way people speak about her as a person and a great teammate and leader. Those characteristics are the ones that will carry her in life long after she is done dribbling a basketball, and for that I couldn’t be any prouder.”

Her big brother Cameron added, “The whole process from start to finish has been amazing for her and our family and it’s awesome we were able to fulfill our dream of attending college together and become Hoosiers.”

Mackenzie had her official visit to Indiana in September when she met the other incoming freshmen. While we know Coach Moren is very excited to have her join their team, Mackenzie is focused on her senior year as a Gorham Ram. She said, “I am looking forward to representing Gorham and playing one more season with some of my best friends. The best memories of my high school experience have come from basketball so I am looking forward to one more chance at making memories.”

The Lady Rams will strive to earn a fourth consecutive regional title and return to the State Championship for another shot at the gold ball.