On Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014, Central Bucks West seniors Mackenzie Carroll and Nicole Munger were recognized at a special news conference for committing to play basketball at the Division One level. To view photos of the event, please visit the Photo Gallery.
Mackenzie Carroll – Colgate University (Basketball)
Major: Economics
Final list of colleges: Colgate, St. Francis (Brooklyn, NY), American, Lehigh
Reasons for choosing Colgate: “I decided on Colgate because it’s a beautiful campus and a great education, but on top of that, it’s an amazing atmosphere. You go on campus and everyone is so positive and supportive of all the different sports teams. It’s just a great place to be.”
As an athlete who also plays soccer, what was the progression that led you to playing basketball at the collegiate level? “Honestly, I’ve always known basketball was the sport for me. It’s always been a dream of 
mine to play in college.
“In my freshman and sophomore years going to AAU tournaments, I’d see all these different coaches. They weren’t really there for me my freshman year, but I saw it, and people started telling me maybe I could play in college.”
Coach Terry Rakowsky says: “When we first saw her three years ago, Mackenzie as a freshman did very good things. She had a perception to her, a look to her. This year when she comes out on the court, she’s physical and strong. She’s been working hard. She’s still the same player – she’s aggressive to the basket, her shot’s been great, and she’s a great kid. She works hard.”
About Mackenzie:
Favorite food: Ice Cream
Favorite movie: Mulan
Favorite music: “I honestly listen to every kind of music.”
Nicole Munger – University of Michigan (Basketball)
Major: Undecided
Final list of colleges: Michigan, Boston College, Drexel
Reasons for choosing Michigan: “You just walk on campus, and it’s just different. Everyone says you’re going 
to (get) a feeling, and when I walked on campus, I knew. Everything about it – (academically) it’s one of the best in the nation, but you’re also playing some of the best teams in the nation too. It was just that mix that I really liked. Just the team – they really included you and made you feel really, really special, which was really important to me as well. It felt like family.”
What was the progression that led you to playing basketball at the collegiate level? “Ever since I was a little girl, I knew when I touched a basketball – it was just special. I remember that first practice and how much fun I had. For me, yes, it’s about the wins and losses. They’re great and all, but like coach always says – it’s about going out on the court and having so much fun. That’s why I love to play.
“My dad and my parents always said that to play you really have to work hard at it, and I think I’ve worked hard. I love it.”
Coach Terry Rakowsky says: “Nicole is getting better and better and better. As everybody who has seen her work - she has the hardest work ethic I’ve ever seen, beyond even belief at times. In the offseason, she made herself even better through hard work and determination. She’s expanded her game this past year or so, and she’s really, really good inside. She’s turned into an extremely good player.”
About Nicole:
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite movie: Miracle on Ice & Rudy
Favorite music: “Anything with a fast pace.”
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