Spiritual Formation | 2/6/2026 3:10:00 PM
When you think of someone who embodies the heart of Lipscomb University, Mackenzie Barnett immediately comes to mind. A standout distance runner for Lipscomb University and a 2025 graduate, Mackenzie consistently pursued excellence in athletics, remained deeply involved on campus, and demonstrated a genuine love for others. She excelled on the course, in the classroom, and in the community throughout her time as a Bison.
As a member of Lipscomb's cross country and track and field teams, Mackenzie earned numerous athletic accolades, including First Team All-ASUN honors in cross country and recognition as the ASUN Women's Cross Country Scholar-Athlete of the Year. She recorded multiple podium finishes and personal bests during her collegiate career, reflecting discipline, perseverance, and consistency at the highest level of competition.
Mackenzie's impact however reached far beyond race results. Her coaches describe her as someone whose presence shaped the culture of the program in lasting ways. Head Coach Nick Polk shared, "Mackenzie was invaluable to our program as a runner and as a leader. Of all the athletes I've coached, Mackenzie is at the top of the list in terms of character, trustworthiness, positive attitude, and leadership. She's a shining example of servant leadership and embodies all of what you'd hope a Lipscomb student-athlete would be."
Beyond athletics, Mackenzie was deeply involved in campus life. She participated in Bible studies, international mission trips, and local service opportunities, always eager to say yes to opportunities to serve. One of the most impactful ways she lived this out was through Sports Fun Club, a Lipscomb-run program that connects student-athletes to serve at Carter Lawrence Elementary School. Meeting weekly on Thursday afternoons, Sports Fun Club allows student-athletes to build meaningful relationships with students through reading, homework help, sports instruction, and play. During her time as a student-athlete, Mackenzie fell in love with Carter Lawrence and with investing her time and energy in the lives of young students.
Assistant Coach Grace Franke reflected on the rare balance Mackenzie carried so well saying, "Mackenzie is an athlete whose absence was felt greatly upon her graduation. She had a very rare toughness and resilience in her racing life, yet a personality filled with compassion, goodness, and genuine love for others. She said yes to every opportunity to serve—whether in the community, on international mission trips, or leading team Bible study—while still maintaining high weekly mileage and elite-level racing." Franke also noted that Mackenzie's humility stood out, adding that "her desire was always for Jesus to be glorified, not herself."
After graduating, Mackenzie stepped confidently into her calling as an elementary school teacher at Carter Lawrence Elementary School. Teaching is more than a profession for her; it is a vocation rooted in relationship, presence, and long-term impact. Each day, she works to create a classroom where students feel seen, supported, and encouraged to grow both academically and personally.
In a meaningful full-circle moment, Mackenzie now helps lead Sports Fun Club at Carter Lawrence—not as a student-athlete, but as a teacher and program champion. The same program that helped shaped her heart for service and teaching now allows her to continuing to care for students after school and also invest deeply into current Bison student-athletes.
As Coach Franke shared, "It's so special to see the gifts that God has given Mackenzie come fully alive with students in the classroom. We are grateful for the daily impact Mackenzie is having and for her desire to pour love and energy into Carter Lawrence Elementary School and teh surrounding community."
Mackenzie's story is a powerful reminder that Lipscomb athletics is about more than wins and records. It is about forming servant-leaders, igniting passions, and creating lasting impact long after graduation.
