The Saline Reporter
A Heritage Newspaper
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Gilmore signs with OSU
Former Hornet standout "knew" Buckeyes were right fit
By Brian Cox, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: February 15, 2007
When Mackenzie Gilmore walked on the soccer field during a visit to Ohio State University, it felt more than right –– it felt perfect.
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"I knew that it was where I wanted to be," said the Saline goalie.
Gilmore, the daughter of Tracy and Mark Gilmore, signed to play goalie for the Division I Big Ten school last week. She is expected to have a shot at starting, said OSU coach Lori Walker.
"Mackenzie is a very technical goalkeeper with good hands and an ability to play with both feet," Walker said. "We look for her to compete for time in the goal during her freshman year."
Gilmore has played as the Saline girls' varsity soccer goalie for four years. She was brought up to the varsity squad after only two games on the JV team.
Gilmore still remembers the moment when on the bus ride home from a game against Northville, varsity coach Dave Tapping called her to the front. He told the young freshman goalie that she would be starting on varsity. She couldn't contain her excitement.
"I will never forget that," she said.
Gilmore has been playing soccer since kindergarten –– first on a Saline Area Soccer Association team, then joining a travel team in fifth grade. She didn't begin focusing on goaltending until the eighth grade, when she discovered she loved the role and responsibility.
"I love making the big save," she said. "Getting a goal is an amazing thrill, but stopping one is an equal thrill."
At fifteen, Gilmore began playing with the U-19 team, Saline Impact. During her first year with the club team, the squad went 8-0-0. Every win was a shutout. On a bulletin board in her bedroom, Gilmore keeps a record of every shutout she's posted. In 2005, the Impact, with Gilmore in goal, was the national U-19 indoor soccer champions.
In her varsity career, Gilmore earned first-team All-District honors during her freshman, sophomore and junior years. She was named All-Conference during her freshman and sophomore years and received All-State honorable mention during her sophomore year.
In a game against Dexter during her junior year, Gilmore faced the greatest test of her athletic career. She tore her ACL and was out for the season. It could have been a devastating injury, but Gilmore believes now the injury and the difficult recovery made her stronger.
"I think it helped me become a better leader and soccer player," she said. "Until then, I think I took too much for granted. The injury gave me a better perspective on having to work hard."
Gilmore starts OSU's pre-season camp in July. She's looking forward to it.
"It's going to be so neat to play with 20 girls that have the same fire and passion I do for soccer," she said.
Staff Writer Brian Cox can be reached at 429-7380 or bcox@heritage.com.
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