Meet Mackenzie Callery!

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Mackenzie Callery and I am from a town just outside of Windsor, Ontario. I have a degree in Child Psychology and Organizational Learning and Teaching from the University of Windsor and I am currently an Accelerated Early Childhood Student.

My hockey journey began 18 years ago when I played with the boys up until the age of 12, then I switched over to girls hockey. I just “retired” out of minor hockey and currently play pick up a few times a week, and in two different adult leagues. I am currently in my second year of being the head coach of an Atom (age 9 and 10) girls team, as well as I volunteer for the First Shift hockey program.

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BE A WHL BRAND AMBASSADOR?

I want to be a WHL Brand Ambassador to help promote and grow the game that has given me so much growing up. With my background in education and my hockey experience I want to bring that all together to support and get young girls engaged in the game, and to see how fun it truly can be while they still learn in the process. I want to pass on the knowledge I was given as a young hockey player from my mentors such as all the coaches I have had, and also my dad.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO AS A #WHLAMBASSADOR?

What I am most looking forward to being a WHL ambassador is meeting people who are just as passionate as I am about the development and growth of female hockey. I look forward to connecting with others and sharing thoughts and opinions.

WHAT’S SOMETHING NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I am the QUEEN of naps.

IF YOU COULD SIT DOWN AND HAVE DINNER WITH ONE FEMALE HOCKEY PLAYER, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

If I could sit down and have dinner with a female hockey player it would be Meghan Agosta. Seeing as she is from around the same place where I live, I idolized her growing up and still to this day, she is considered a “hometown hero” in the eyes of female hockey players in this area. She’s an example and leader who players look up to and aspire to be.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN IN HOCKEY OR IN LIFE?

The best piece of advice I have ever been given is, “Do it with passion or not at all”. This is the advice that I go back to when times get tough. I especially look back on this when I am in my coaching role. To not give 110% to the girls that I coach would be unfair to them — they deserve to have a coach who is passionate about what they do, as well as always going that “extra mile” to ensure they are learning new things and having FUN!

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM FOR WOMEN’S HOCKEY?

My dream for women’s hockey is to see growth of the game and also more of a diverse environment. I would also like to see women’s hockey equal to men’s, as well as women in this sport being appreciated more for their successes.

Want to join our #WHLAmbassador team?

Get more details and apply here!