PORTLAND, Maine — A Gorham native who's made quite the name for herself on the basketball court playing for Indiana University had a homecoming game Thursday night, in her final season wearing the Hoosiers uniform.
Mackenzie Holmes returned to the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland to play her first game in Maine since high school. The Hoosiers faced the University of Maine in front of a sold-out crowd, according to a UMaine Athletics staff member. Indiana came out on top defeating UMaine 67-59. Holmes scored a team-high 22 points.
"This is something that you know not a lot of players get to experience. I'm extremely blessed that Coach Moren helped make this happen," Holmes said. "It means a lot to me."
Holmes said she's grateful for the opportunity to play in front of friends, family, and a community that hasn't seen her play since high school in an arena that means so much to her. Holmes won two state championships for Gorham High School at the Cross Insurance Arena.
"She played on that floor—and so just all those kinds of memories of everything that's happened there for her career—and then being able to come back [with] all she's accomplished now, probably beyond most people's imaginations," her father, Lenny Holmes, said.
Although it's a special night for Holmes, her father said this team's mantra looks at away games as "business trips." He said although it's a special game, she's focused on getting the win.
"It will be a real special moment, especially, I think when she gets introduced. I think that's going to be the opportunity for people to kind of show their appreciation to her, for what she's done and show their support and love."
Lenny said he has only missed one game so far this season. He said he takes trips across the country to watch his daughter play in person because he wants to be a part of the experience.
"This will be a joy though because this is a 15-minute ride. The closest example I have to that is a 15-minute ride to get on a plane," Lenny said.
Holmes said she's also excited for her teammates to finally see where she grew up. Some of those teammates said leading up to Thursday's game, they've "never seen her so happy."
Following the game, Holmes's friends and family welcomed her with applause and hugs.
"I was trying to keep my emotions steady, but then after the game, you know, seeing everyone there means a lot to me, and I'm very blessed to have the support system that I do here," she said.
While all eyes were on Holmes in her return to the Cross Insurance Arena, Indiana Head Coach Teri Moren reminded her to play her game.
"Coach actually stopped me before the game when she was in the locker room and kind of told me take a deep breath and let the game come to me and that was very helpful to hear because I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself," Holmes said.