For Dordt women's basketball senior McKenzie Goodwin, the journey to graduation hasn't followed the script she might have written as an 18-year-old. But the path has shaped her into exactly who she was meant to become.

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A native of Kingsley, Iowa, and a former Kingsley-Pierson Panther who also competed in track, Goodwin was a multi-sport standout in high school. Despite success on the track, choosing basketball at Dordt wasn't a difficult decision.

"Not at all, really," Goodwin said. "I enjoyed my teammates in track, but basketball — and Coach Harmsen — made it pretty easy."

It was during her junior-to-senior year of high school that Dordt first came on her radar. Head coach Bill Harmsen began attending her games — not just basketball, but volleyball matches and track meets as well — building a relationship that would eventually lead to a campus visit.

That visit sealed the deal.

"I remember being in Chapel and just thinking, 'Wow,'" Goodwin said. "I remember getting into the car afterward and telling my mom, 'This is it.' The chapel, the faith-based learning — it was just so cool."

She recalls connecting with players like Faith Van Holland and Macy Nielsen during that visit, relationships that confirmed Dordt was the right fit both athletically and spiritually.

Goodwin chose to major in Business Administration, double majoring in Business Management and Sport Management — degrees that offer wide-ranging opportunities. But as her senior year winds down, her next step is already set.

She will remain at Dordt for the next two years as a graduate assistant with the women's basketball program while pursuing her MBA.

Her role will include coaching, scouting, player development, and involvement with the junior varsity program — a transition that feels both natural and meaningful.

Coaching runs in the family. Goodwin's mom is a coach, and her influence has been significant.

"Oh, 100%," Goodwin said. "She's somebody I look up to — a role model. I see how she handles herself and how much she enjoys coaching. I just kind of want to take that with me."

What draws Goodwin most to coaching isn't strategy or scouting reports — it's relationships.

"The girls, 100%," she said. "The friendships, seeing their friendships, and being able to serve them in the way they need — that's what excites me."

Goodwin's collegiate playing career was tested early and often. For the first two-and-a-half years, injuries — muscle tears, ankle issues, and other setbacks — kept her sidelined more than she ever expected.

"Nobody signs up for that," she admitted.

The physical challenges were real, but the mental shift may have been even greater. Instead of focusing solely on contributing on the court, Goodwin had to reframe her perspective.

"It was definitely a conscious effort," she said. "You kind of have to reroute your mind from being a player to, 'How can I serve in this position?' If I'm not able to serve on the court, how can I serve outside of basketball?"

That shift changed her.

Over the past four years, Goodwin says she has learned to trust God's plan in a deeper way.

"Really leaning into Him and trusting that He has a plan," she said. "God doesn't do things by accident. Everything that happens shapes you into the person you are."

Her coaches, teammates, and support system played a vital role in that growth.

"The encouragement we give each other and just being there for one another is huge," Goodwin said. "I think that's part of why we're so successful, too."

When reflecting on her time in the program, national championships naturally stand out. But for Goodwin, the defining memories go beyond trophies and banners.

"The locker room, the long bus rides, the hotel rooms — those are just as memorable," she said. "We have a lot of fun."

Alongside fellow seniors Kaylee Davis, Macy Sievers, and Taylor Drent, Goodwin has embraced a leadership role this season. She describes the senior class as close-knit and energized by the responsibility of guiding a new group of personalities.

"I feel like every team is unique," she said. "This one is pretty unique from the past. Every year has different personalities."

As the final month of the season approaches, Goodwin is optimistic.

"I'm super excited," she said.

Her career may not have unfolded exactly as she envisioned four years ago, but through injuries, championships, growth, and calling, Goodwin has discovered something deeper than minutes played or points scored — a heart for serving others.