“Mackenzie is easily one of the best players I’ve ever coached. One thing that separates her from other really good players is her ability to dominate games on both ends of the floor. She may be the best defender in all of New England, not just Connecticut.”

Matthew Ward

Head Coach - St. Luke’s coach

Athletic Excellence

At the time of her selection, the 5-foot-9 senior guard had led the Storm to a 20-2 record and the No. 1 seed in the New England Preparatory Athletic Council Class B tournament. Nelson averaged 19.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.5 steals and 4.0 assists through 22 games. She was named the NEPSAC Class B Defensive Player of the Year.

Academic Achievement

Nelson has maintained an A average in the classroom. She has signed a national letter of intent to play basketball on scholarship at Virginia Tech this fall.

Exemplary Character

Also the Connecticut Girls Basketball Gatorade Player of the Year in 2021-22, Nelson has volunteered locally with several basketball camps, including with the Boys Scouts of America, and she was named to the Junior NBA’s Court of Leaders Committee.