It’s not all about how big you are, your size... it’s also about how hard you work and push yourself.”

BHS senior Mackenzie Stephens

At first glance, Mackenzie Stephens may not look like a typical weight thrower. But don’t let that fool you.

The Barrington High School senior standout recently signed her National Letter of Intent to compete in track and field for the University of Delaware next year.

“I know, that’s what everybody says, I’m a little small for a hammer and weight thrower, but I guess it’s all about technique and working hard,” Mackenzie said during a recent interview.

“It’s not all about how big you are, your size,” she added. “Obviously, sometimes that kind of stuff comes naturally and has a great affect on how you do. But it’s also about how hard you work and push yourself… I practice every single day of the week, Monday to Friday, sometimes Saturdays, Sundays if we have time… Every single day, like two hours a day.”

Mackenzie began competing in the weight throw and hammer throw during her freshman year at Barrington High School. She works with longtime Eagles throwing coach Bob Gourley, who has helped many BHS student-athletes improve dramatically in weight throwing. Mackenzie also credited Coach Gourley for his guidance over the years.

“We’ve come a long way,” she said.

Mackenzie said the pandemic complicated her progress a bit.

“It’s been really difficult because junior year is such a big year, and I didn’t get to have a junior year,” she said. “But I feel like in the summer, when we were allowed to throw, I just gave it my all and tried to make up for the things that I lost. I feel like I really did well. I’m proud of myself, of the opportunities I had. It paid off. Definitely.”

Mackenzie said she recently set a new PR or personal record of 141 feet.

“This summer I hit it,” she said. “I’m very excited… I was stuck in the 120s and this summer I got into the 140s. I’m really proud of myself. This year I think I can get up to the 160s. It’s going to be a good year.”