Mackenzie Glynn didn’t plan to become a dual-sport athlete until a last-minute turn in her senior year rewrote her future. Now, the Houma native and Nicholls sophomore majoring in elementary education splits her time between beach volleyball and javelin, balancing two sports with the demands of college life.

Glynn played volleyball from the age of 10 years old, playing varsity in high school for all four years at Vandebilt Catholic winning multiple awards. Glynn received many offers in volleyball and originally planned to attend college out of state. However, a big change happened to her senior year that ultimately led her to Nicholls.

“God had bigger plans for me. During my senior year, I tried Javelin and did pretty well and made it to state. That’s how I ended up here at Nicholls,” Glynn said.

In her first semester Glynn started as just a javelin thrower, one day after weights her track coach asked if she was interested in joining the beach volleyball team because of her prior indoor play. Glynn accepted the opportunity and says she has not regretted it for a second.

“My freshman year ended as a dual sport athlete and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

The Colonels’ beach volleyball team struggled significantly the past few years, notably losing every game in 2025. The improvement this year is staggering according to Glynn, she said that you can see the hard work and dedication and that the progress speaks for itself.

“Starting off the season 2-0 from our home opener was exceptional,” said Glynn. “It can only go up from here!”

The Colonels currently hold a 6-12 overall record and an 0-2 record in conference play. The Colonels return home for the first time since the opener on Friday, when they face their conference rival UNO.

Home games hold a different weight for Glynn, who is from the area. She expressed excitement in the fact that her loved ones will be able to come and support her.

“It’s so great to be able to play at home. I’m a local so it gives my family and friends a chance to see me and my team play.”

Being a student-athlete, especially a dual-sport athlete, is no easy feat. Glynn said every day is a test, but her mindset helps her push through even when times get tough.

“I may be tired from my other practice or stressed from a big test, but I always keep in mind that I have an opportunity that other people dream of,” Glynn said. “Especially being able to play two sports, not many people get the chance to do that at the D1 level.”

Glynn acknowledged that being a student athlete has given her so many opportunities, not just in competition, but in networking and marketing herself.

“I’ve gotten so many doors opened for me and my future because of it. I’m constantly working on NIL. I’ve gotten big brand deals with Oakley Metas, CVS, Subway and more!

Glynn has to make many sacrifices that other students, even other student-athletes, may not have to make, the biggest one being time. According to her, everyday there is something on her calendar that relates to one of her sports, along with class, studying and other activities. However, she said that she loves it and being a student-athlete is the best part of the college experience.

“I sacrifice a lot of my time. I may not live out the “college lifestyle” as other people do, but I don’t think there’s anything I’d rather do than be a student athlete right now.”

It is all about mindset, grind and motivation according to Glynn; her biggest motivation is her mother, Sharon Glynn, who worked tirelessly to provide Mackenzie with the opportunities that she has. She explained that even through her college years so far, she can count on one hand how many games her mom has missed.

Mackenzie said, “I watched her go through things a lot of people shouldn’t have to deal with. Even in those moments, she got up every single morning with a smile on her face and was ready to face any adversity that came her way,” she continued, “No matter what though, she always came to support. Since I was little and still now while I’m playing in college, she is and always will be my biggest supporter. If it wasn’t for her, I would never be the athlete or woman I am today and I’m so blessed to call her my mom.”

Although prioritizing can be a struggle for many students and student athletes, Mackenzie said she is happy that she has been able to learn that balance over the past two years. Furthermore, she expressed great pride in her team and all that they have and will accomplish. While not always an easy road, she credits her mom, her teammates and her strong mindset for helping her get to this point

“I’m most proud of myself for being able to balance everything. Being a student athlete can be very challenging and affect a lot of individuals, but I’ve learned how to find time for myself in the mix of everything while still improving on my sports,” she said. 

“As for the team, I’m proud of our growth and relationships. We can grow at practice in skills while still being able to have fun and joke around on a personal level, we’re truly a family.”