From Gorham to Geelong: Why Mackenzie Holmes is relishing life as a pro

After an injury-plagued start to professional basketball, the former Indiana Hoosiers standout is determined to elevate her game in the WNBL

Photo credit: Supplied / Geelong Venom

Just a year ago, Mackenzie Holmes couldn’t run or jump as she slogged through the lengthy process of recovering from knee surgery.

Now, the 24-year-old is one of the most exciting imports in the WNBL, leading the league in scoring (26.5 points per game) and ranking in the top five for rebounds (8.5 per game) after two games.

She tells The Pick and Roll she can’t quite believe how much things have changed.

“Now I’m here playing in a different country on the other side of the world, getting to meet all these people and have these new experiences,” she says.

“I learned a lot about myself from it,” she says of the injury, which saw her miss the entire 2024 WNBA season.

“Sometimes, I think we take the game and the fact that this is our job a bit for granted. It’s given me a lot of perspective, and I’m super grateful for what this game has been able to do for me.”