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With the cancellation of the WNFC 2020 season, our players have had to adjust not only to missing an entire season of football, but also to practicing safe distancing due to a global pandemic. We want to hear about it.
Inspired by The Players’ Tribune, The WNFC is excited to introduce a new blog series, "The Iso Journal", where we catch up with our superstars to find out how they've spent their time in isolation, what they are doing to prepare for the 2021 pre-season, and how they are remaining #WNFCproud off the field.
Hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. It can influence others. I am more self-motivated than I thought. A lot of people have told me to keep going, that I’m a role model, and that they want me to succeed. Those kinds of affirmations have been exactly what I need to keep working.
I was going crazy before gyms reopened. I just wanted to tackle something or someone. To keep myself sane, I ran the Lake Park trails here in Des Moines. Now that I am back to my kickboxing, softball, and powerlifting regimens, my mental balance is poised and centralized.
I do monthly lifting max outs. I currently deadlift 350 pounds and leg press 720 pounds. I created my own home gym and invested in a strength and conditioning coach. I returned to a nutrition plan that combines plant-based and lighter meat choices. I eat two meals a day and fast the other 16-18 hours of time.
My teammates keep me going! Posting training videos on social media has helped me show that I am still putting in work for the upcoming season. I have received only positive and uplifting vibes from my teammates. Our front office made a Facebook group for everyone to stay in touch.
It is difficult not to have answers or a plan. My place of employment here in Iowa was shut down for about two months. I enrolled back into school to finish my third college degree, in generalized fitness and weight loss. I got back into singing and playing the drums again.
Every Tuesday evening, I co-host the Gridiron Blitz Podcast. I also listen to a lot of other sports podcasts. My current favorite is Burn it All Down. I also enjoyed watching The Last Dance, the Michael Jordan documentary, and Be Water, the Bruce Lee documentary on ESPN. I love Justin Bieber! For a few weeks after his current release, Changes, I was glued to learning the songs on the album.
The WNFC understands how much football means to every player and staff member in this league. They have shown their support through the numerous online events. It was amazing to have the virtual camp and constantly have content to “Step Our Game Up”!
I always want a crack at the best! I am excited to watch the San Diego Rebellion and the Alabama Fire next season. Something is telling me those two teams may be front runners in the league other than my Nebraska Nitehawks. I am looking forward to playing football!
Patience is a virtue. Being stubborn will only get you so far. Learning how to balance stubbornness can be your biggest accomplishment and downfall at the same time. It has been a challenge knowing that I have to wait almost an entire year to run through someone with pads and a helmet.
A champion’s mindset is built during unexpected moments. Let yourself experience emotions. That is natural when you’re trying to become great. Keep working on you and your game to find out what makes you tick! You may be surprised at the results you obtain.
"This entire pandemic is Carol Baskin’s fault! Period!"- M. Brooks
Mackenzie Brooks #75 DL/RB
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