Colony senior standout accepted to U.S. Coast Guard Academy

PALMER — As Mackenzie Everett started to prepare for life after Colony High School, the multisport standout found no shortage of opportunities.

Everett, a volleyball and softball player who also excels in the classroom, drew interest from a number of colleges. But there was one destination that trumped all of the others.

Everett wanted to attend the United States Coast Guard Academy.

That goal is becoming a reality.

Everett has received her letter of acceptance from the USGCA Office of Admissions. In the coming weeks, Everett will sign her National Letter of Intent to play volleyball for the Division III Bears.

“I knew I wanted the Coast Guard,” Everett said Saturday afternoon.

Everett said she considered both volleyball and softball. But the opportunity to attend the USCGA was the most important thing. Everett’s goal went beyond just athletics.

Everett sees herself flying missions in helicopter, rather than sitting at a desk.

“I wanted to do something bigger,” Everett said. “I really love the idea of search and rescue. I always knew I was going to be a person that has to go out and do stuff.”

She also wanted to join her older sister Samantha, a 2013 CHS graduate, at the academy. Sam Everett is currently a third class cadet, a sophomore, at USCGA.

The USCGA Bears, based in New London, Connecticut, compete in the Division III New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference. The Bears are currently 16-8 overall and 5-2 in conference play. Everett said she feels the Division III level is a good fit for her. She’s been in close contact with the Bears coaching staff, but is not sure what her role with the team will be as a freshman.

Everett has been active in volleyball since the sixth grade, and has been a setter for most of her career.

“I like how quick it is compared to softball,” Everett said of volleyball.

In addition to Colony High, Everett has also spent about a year with the Anchorage-based Alaska Volleyball Association. Everett, who was named all-state tournament as a junior, spent about five years with the Alaska Volleyball Association.

Everett is also a standout on the Colony softball squad. She’s been the ace of her team’s pitching staff, and can play all over the diamond.

“Wherever they decide to put me that day,” she said.

Everett was named all-conference in softball as a junior.

She’s been able to compete outside of Alaska in both sports. Everett has made trips to Phoenix, Arizona, and Las Vegas, Nevada, with her volleyball club teams. While seriously considering college softball, Everett played in large tournaments outside of Alaska during each of the last two summers.

Everett garnered interest from Division II, Division III and NAIA programs in either softball or volleyball.

“I didn’t want to shut any doors just in case for some odd reason something happens,” Everett said.

But as soon as she received the letter of acceptance from the USCGA, Everett knew exactly where she was headed.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.