COLLEGE BASKETBALL: NEWARK VALLEY'S NECHWEDOWICH TO 'HOOP IT UP' AT FREDONIA (2021-06-11)

BY TIM TAYLOR
Tioga County Sports Report
NEWARK VALLEY — Mackenna Nechwedowich signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball at SUNY Fredonia.

The signing was part of a ceremony held here Friday which included seven other Newark Valley athletes.

Nechwedowich starred for the Cardinals in basketball, soccer and tennis, but ultimately displayed her best talents on the hardwoods. She led NV to the Section IV Class B championships game as a junior. Unfortunately, COVID-19 prevented the team from making a run at a state playoff bid during the 2020-21 season. NV lost just one game in each of Nechwedowich's last two seasons.

The 6-foot forward will be studying Exercise Science and chose the Lake Erie region school, "because they not only have a great basketball team but they have an amazing exercise science program.

"The coaches and the team are all very welcoming and amazing people, and I cannot wait to get there in the fall."

Nechwedowich is looking forward to showing the Blue Devils what she can do.

"I think I have the opportunity to offer them a handful of things if I work hard right from the get-go, but the real thing I think I can offer them is a player who is unbelievably ready to get back out on the court again and make new memories with a new team," she said.

She plans on getting plenty in return.

"I hope to get so many things from the college experience," she said. "Luckily I have the opportunity to be a part of the women's basketball team as well as an Exercise Science major. I just hope to be able to create new memories with some new people and really enjoy the next four years of this chapter in my life."

Nechwedowich is a two-time all state selection in soccer in 2018 and 2019, and in basketball in 2019.

The State University of New York Athletic Conference canceled its 2020-21 winter sports season, so the Devils did not have an opportunity to play. Only four of their 16 roster players were seniors.

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Coaches' Comments
(Courtesy of NV Athletic Department)

Greg Schweiger, Basketball: "Mackenna is going to make an impact as a rebounder and shot blocker for her team because of her athleticism. She is also versatile and able to score and defend both inside and outside."

Chuck Schneider, Soccer: "Mackenna will bring leadership and a competitive spirit to her next team. She put in the time to refine her skills. She was exceptional on the soccer field and on the court she will be tremendous."