Athlete Spotlight: Mackenzie DeSantis

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications

SALEM, Mass.- Senior Mackenzie DeSantis (Ridge, N.Y.) took home Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Player of the Week honors last week. DeSantis batted .417 (5-for-12) with two doubles, a home run and five RBIs for an .883 slugging percentage in a 3-1 week for the Vikings. She went 4-for-7 with five RBIs, two doubles, a home run and two runs scored in a doubleheader sweep of Fitchburg State. 

DeSantis spoke about what it means to earn MASCAC Player of the Week. "Earning player of the week is a great achievement for me. In my career at Salem, I have gotten it now three times and every time I have gotten it, I have been very proud of myself." Despite her brilliant performance, the senior was surprised of this achievement. "I was surprised honestly. I knew I had played well in the doubleheader against Fitchburg, but I was still surprised to hear I won player of the week." 

The senior talked about what was working for her at the plate as she was batting over .400 with three extra base hits and five runs batted in. "I was patient at the plate, which allowed me to see more pitches and to find a pitch that I really liked that I knew I could drive for a hit."  She also added the importance of having the week that she had in the field. "It was very important so that my team could continue undefeated in the conference. Being able to sweep Fitchburg put us in a great position for the rest of the season." 

DeSantis spoke about the importance of getting out of her slump and contributing in a big way. "It was essential that I came out of my slump to help my team win games, and knowing I won player of the week after getting out of that slump was great." A game that resonates with her is this past weekend was the second game of the doubleheader. "The game that resonates with me the most honestly is the second Fitchburg game when I hit my home run. I have had a very interesting past playing Fitchburg and to be able to use that toward a win is great. 2 years ago, I broke my finger in warmups before our Fitchburg doubleheader and still played and ended up tying for first for the school record of most RBIs in a single game."  Additionally, she added about her three-run home run during the first inning which set momentum throughout the game. "It was big for us; it kept momentum going and allowed us to stay ahead in the game to complete the sweep."  Lastly, she also talked about that she was looking for a good pitch to hit in that key situation.  

The Ridge, N.Y. native spoke about in-season and out of season routine. "In-season, I am much more focused on softball than anything else, versus in the off season I focus on working, school, and softball. During the season, I still balance school and work, but there is more commitment while we are in season."  

DeSantis also spoke on her teammate, Alaina Guiliano, who received MASCAC Rookie of the Week honors in the same week. "I'm proud of her; it isn't easy coming in as a freshman and having a lot of responsibility to help the team. She has done a great job at taking that responsibility and using it to help our team." 

The senior who started playing softball when she was four years old spoke about what the word 'Vikings' means to her. "I think to me 'Vikings' means being proud as well as teamwork. I think of the softball team that has given me lifelong friends and irreplaceable memories."  She spoke about her parents, family, and her girlfriend, all who have influenced and supported her.

DeSantis' favorite major league baseball team is the New York Yankees. Additionally, her favorite MLB player is Derek Jeter because she always watched him growing up when he was the shortstop for the N.Y. Yankees.  An interesting fact about her is that she has cats, loves to snowboard and is planning to go to law school next year.  

Up next for DeSantis and the Vikings is a trip back to Bridgewater State for a Massachusetts State Colligate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) tomorrow, Tuesday April 9. The first pitch is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.