Mckenzie Bailey-McDowell

Having been a dedicated member of the High-Performance NZ pathways programme, Mckenzie Bailey-McDowell has gone from strength to strength; continuing to achieve in softball while rising through the ranks at regional and national level. Having been selected as the Top Defensive player at the 2023 WBSC Under 18 Oceania Qualifier in America Samoa, then walking away with both the Top Pitcher and Most Valuable Player awards at Under 19 Nationals, it was no surprise to see McKenzie selected for both the New Zealand Junior White Sox and wider White Sox squads this season.

McKenzie has shown great promise as a young player in the New Zealand Developing Sox and involved with the Canterbury Baby Hawkes team to compete at the Little League World Cup AsiaPacific qualifiers in 2018. She is a supportive teammate, committed to bettering herself in softball, and is passionate about the game.

While this coachable player continues to push boundaries and pave her own way within the sport, Mckenzie is truly deserving of the Emerging women’s player of the year award for 2024. Congratulations Mckenzie.