Makenzy Willis (Mizera) | Director of Operations, Liberty Track & Field

Hometown/Current City: Maryville, MO/Lynchburg, VA
Undergraduate Major: Exercise Science
Postgraduate Field of Study: Human Performance: Strength & Conditioning
 
What path did you pursue after graduating?
After graduating with my masters, while I was a graduate assistant for Liberty Track & Field, I pursued the Director of Operations position at Liberty.

What is your current job, and what do you enjoy most about it?
Director of Operations for Liberty Track and Field – I love being able to serve the team and help lighten the load of the coaches, so they can focus on training Champions for Christ.

What’s a professional highlight from your career so far?
The biggest highlight is being able to be a part of and watch this team continuously growing spiritually to pursue Christ at the highest athletic level.  

What was the most valuable lesson you gained from your college sports experience?
I learned that pursuing lasting relationships inside and outside the sport that push you into a deeper relationship with Christ are the most important relationships to have.

What’s your favorite memory from college athletics?
My favorite memory was at regionals my final year waiting to see if I had qualified for nationals for the first time. Teammates and coaches were waiting with me to watch the final 2 flights of the Triple Jump and it was heartwarming to have everyone so invested in my potential success.

What accomplishment from your college career are you most proud of?
I am most proud of how my passion for the sport has not faded through my competitive years and how I was able to push through injury which allowed me to continue to train and compete.

How do you spend your free time now? Any new hobbies since college?
My free time is spent deer hunting, hiking, or anything outdoors with my husband, Gabe Willis. I have always loved the outdoors; the only difference is that I have more time to put into hobbies now that I am done with track and field.
 
What advice would you give to current student-athletes?
I would share the importance of seeking a relationship with Christ, and to let training, academics, and anything they aspire for to stem from honoring and glorifying Christ rather than glorifying themselves. This is a worthy and lasting pursuit.

How have your career goals evolved from your college years to today?
My goal has stayed the same throughout college and today. I want to honor Christ in all that I do and show the love of Christ to others. Whether that is in my athletics, my career, or my future family.