Kingsway Regional High girls soccer goalie Mackenzie Barry has been a force to be reckoned with in net for the Dragons. The junior is chasing 200 career saves, a milestone she was 22 tallies away from heading into today’s game at Washington Township.

“She’s grown every year,” coach Bill Alvaro said. “She’s a leader back there for us. I think she’s one of the best goalies in South Jersey. That’s a safety net for us so we can take chances. Girls can take chances offensively knowing she’s back there to cover for them.”

Get to know Mackenzie as correspondent Brian Tortella asked her some questions three weeks into the soccer season. Our monthly Dragons Q&A is brought to you by The Hangry Vegetable Market, who we thank for sponsoring all of our Dragons coverage this fall!

Tortella: Did you always played goalie growing up?

Barry: For as long as I can remember, yes. I was always the tallest kid on my team growing up, so I was kind of thrown into the net when I was young and just fell in love with it.

Tortella: You’re actively chasing 200 career saves and you have three shutouts through six games this season. How do you play at such a high level so consistently?

Barry: I think it’s really a mindset thing, and it applies to our whole team, not just me. I would definitely say as soon as our starting 11 hit the field we are a unit, we work together to get a win and that mentality doesn’t falter. It’s so important that we all work together like that and have that mindset because without the players on the field my job would be 10 times harder. I’m very grateful to have such a good defense that shares that high-level mentality.

Tortella: What’s your expectation for the rest of this season? 

Barry: I really, really hope we go far, and I think we might have a shot. We made it pretty far through playoffs last year (lost 1-0 to Central Regional in the South Jersey Group 4 championship game) and I’d love to be back there or hopefully even further! Playoffs are always such a stressful but fun time, and I really hope we can all experience that again.

Tortella: What do you like most about head coach Bill Alvaro and assistant Jill Ward?

Barry: Contrary to popular belief, Coach Alvaro is such a fun coach. Though he can be serious and straight to the point, he is always the first guy to joke around and make this a really fun experience for us. Coach Jill is such a positive addition to our team! I am so glad we got her on. She’s so supportive, especially with the goalkeepers, and she’s so easy to talk to about anything.

Tortella: What’s so special about Kingsway? How do you think the Dragons are able to have such success in nearly every sport?

Barry: We are just such a big school, it’s hard not to have such good talent to match that. On top of that we are also a pretty united school, especially sports-wise. You can’t go to one Kingsway sports game without noticing that everyone on the team are best friends. We are a super supportive group of athletes and our talent just matches that.

Tortella: Who’s someone who has motivated you and influenced you throughout your soccer journey?

Barry: Growing up it was always Alex Morgan, I loved everything she stood for and how empowering she was, especially for younger girls. Now, I would definitely say Alyssa Naeher, the USWNT goalkeeper. Her skill is just unmatched and it’s so fun to watch her do what she does best on the field. 

Tortella: Now to the fun stuff. What’s your favorite pre-game hype song and favorite artist?
Barry: My favorite artist is definitely Harry Styles, but my all-time hype song has to be “Fire Burning” by Sean Kingston. For some reason that song just gets me going every single time.

Tortella: Best friend on the team?

Barry: My best friend on and off the field is (junior midfielder) Meg Shannon, she’s so amazing. She’s such a great soccer player with such a high IQ and love for the game that it’s admirable. I know that no matter what she will always be there to back me up regardless of where we are. I’m also super close to one of our managers, Hannah Angelucci. Those two are my rocks and I don’t know where I would be without the support from them. 

Tortella: What’s your go-to snack food?

Barry: I am obsessed with mint chocolate chip ice cream. I also love plain potato chips, so I can’t pick which is my favorite. I’m a big snacker. 

Tortella: What kind of things do you do when you have some down time?

Barry: I love to read. I know that sounds super nerd-ish, but I would totally rather read the book than watch the movie. Other than that, I’m either with friends, playing soccer, or scrolling on my phone.

Tortella: Finally, are you looking into playing at the collegiate level?

Barry: I want to! Playing at that level is something I am definitely working toward and something I’m very interested in. We’ll see where it goes and see where I end up!

NOTES: Kingsway is 3-2-1 overall and in fourth place in the Tri-County Conference Royal Division, behind Washington Township, Williamstown and Clearview. The Dragons travel to Washington Township today before hosting Highland on Wednesday. They also have a road game this weekend, traveling to Haddonfield on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. Barry hasn’t scored in her career but does have one assist; it came earlier this month in a 2-2 tie against Clearview.