McKenzie, known as Mackie, began her gymnastics career at North Shore Academy of Gymnastics in Cedarburg, Wisconsin (age 2). At the age of five, McKenzie moved to LaFleur Academy of Gymnastics where she competed Levels 4-7 coached by Greg LaFleur and Tammy Donohue. She attended school at St. Francis Borgia from pre-school through 3rd grade. It was during this time that McKenzie got to know an elite gymnast, whom she looked up to and admired, and decided that some day, she was going to be an Elite gymnast. With the support of her family and the LaFleur coaches, Mackie, her mom, and her older sister, left Wisconsin and moved 700 miles away to begin training at an elite gym, Parkettes. There she made the Level 8 team and after one meet, she was moved to the Level 9 team. During her three years at Parkettes, Mackie was a member of the Tops National Team and competed in levels 9 and 10 where in 2005 she won the Level 10 Region 7 Regional Meet. That same summer, at the age of twelve, McKenzie qualified for international junior elite status and competed at the US Classic. At the end of summer 2005, McKenzie moved back to the Midwest and began training at Kansas Gymnastics, Dance, & Cheer (KGDC) under Annie Duncan and James Sampel and continues to work hard in improving her form and presentation. She also returned back to public school as a 10th grader at Blue Valley Northwest. Mackie is very excited to have the opportunity to train at KDGC and to receive a college scholarship. Her best advice is, “Follow your dreams”, “Work hard”, “Never give up”, and “Believe in yourself no matter what others say”. McKenzie is the youngest child having an older sister, Kelsey, who is a great role model, and whom Mackie loves and admires! Kelsey is always there to support Mackie in good times and bad and has never stopped believing in her. McKenzie loves dogs and has a dog named Sawyer. She also loves shopping at Abercrombie, playing cards, and Friday pizza nights with her family. Fast Facts: Name: McKenzie Fechter Birthday: November 29, 1992 Birthplace: Wisconsin Residence: Overland Park, KS School: Blue Valley Northwest Grade: 11th (Fall 2009) Sibling: One sister - Kelsey Favorites: Actor: Ashton Kutcher & Kate Hudson Color: Pink Band: The Killers Food: Pizza Event: Everything except vault TV Show: One Tree Hill and The OC Movie: THe Notebook, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days