ONE of Sunraysia’s brightest junior sporting stars is already making an impact at a higher level.
At just 14 years of age, Makenzie Holy, made her First Division debut for West Torrens in the South Australian Premier Division in recent weeks.
With Amanda-Jade Wellington playing in the SA state side in Saturday’s WNCL final, a position for a spinner was available for first grade, so coach Daniel Murdoch gave one of his youngest squad members the nod.
Having recently been selected for the South Australian Scorpions Under 15 Squad and dominating with the ball in second division, Holy was well on the radar.
But it wasn’t cricket that first brought the leg spinner across the border.
In 2022, the prodigy regularly travelled to Adelaide to suit up for Fulham United FC Football Federation South Australia Under 13 Reds Competition, where she scored seven times in 11 games.
The family made the move to SA to allow Holy, and older brother Lachlan, to further pursue sporting interests when a connection through the soccer club brought her to West Torrens, where she has dominated second division.
It’s been a whirlwind 12 months for the teenager, but she enjoyed every minute of making her senior debut.
“It was good, lots of fun to be out there with the girls,” she said.
“I got picked up by coach Dan from one of the training sessions and he told me he wanted me to play. I was shocked because I didn’t think would happen, especially so soon.
“It was lots of fun and the girls all made me feel really welcome. I don’t really have a free day at the moment. Even on Monday, I’ll train both cricket and soccer but I am enjoying it.”
In her debut, Holy played alongside former Australian representative Caroline Ward, whom she has already formed a bond with, and Maggie Clark, who was recently named in the Under 19 World Cup team of the tournament.
She also impressed many while bowling to Tegan McPharlin, a recent WBBL winner with the Adelaide Strikers.
Coach Murdoch sang the praises of Holy and the energy she brings to the club.
“She joined the B Grade side around Christmas and has already become the leading wicket taker,” he said.
“She bowled with a lot of control and while she didn’t take a wicket, her game looked impressive, especially bowling at the death.
“Makenzie has a great attitude, her consistency is a big strength, she’s not afraid to throw the ball up to the batters and she has a fair bit of variety already.
“She’s already part of the Scorpions squad so she’s made an impression in South Australia.”
