Mallie McKenzie

McKenzie was born in Roswell, Georgia. She attended Roswell High School, where she set the school record for all-time goals scored.^[2][3] She played youth soccer for UFA Milton after joining the team in eighth grade and helped lead Milton to three Georgia State Cup championships.^[4] She was the 2018 7A Player of the Year and was named to the All-Region Team in all four years of her high school career.

McKenzie also ran track in her senior year and was a letterwinner in cross-country. In 2019, she placed third at the Georgia 7A state championship in the 800M.^[2][5]

McKenzie attended the University of Georgia, where she played for the Georgia Bulldogs for five seasons.^[2] McKenzie scored her first collegiate goal on September 9, 2021, in a 5–1 victory over Presbyterian.^[6] In her senior year, McKenzie took part in her team's first NCAA appearance in 8 years; the Bulldogs' tournament ended in the second round after facing defeat at the hands of North Carolina.^[7]

During McKenzie's final year of college, UGA won both the SEC East season title and the SEC Championship for the first time in program history.^[8] In the SEC Championship match, McKenzie forced an own goal from an Arkansas defender that would end up being the match's game-winner.^[9] She also played a key role in the semifinal game, scoring and tallying an assist.^[10] Georgia ended the season with the highest ranking in program history. McKenzie was named to the 2023 SEC All-Tournament Team.^[2][11]

McKenzie left Georgia as the leader in career appearances at 98 and fourth in assists with 22. She also scored 6 goals while primarily playing as a wingback, although officially listed as a midfielder.^{[2][6][12][13]}

McKenzie was originally not included in Portland Thorns FC's 2024 preseason roster.^[14] However, going into the Coachella Invitational Tournament, the Thorns elected to add McKenzie to their squad as a non-roster invitee due to key international absences.^[15] On March 21, 2024, the Thorns signed McKenzie to her first professional contract, a one-year deal.^[16] She made her pro debut in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup against Club Tijuana.^[17] She started all three Summer Cup matches and registered an assist against the Utah Royals.^[18][19] She made her NWSL debut against NJ/NY Gotham FC on August 24, replacing Alexa Spaanstra in the 78th minute of the match.^[20]

In December 2024, McKenzie signed a one-year contract extension with Portland.^[21] She became a regular substitute in her second year with the Thorns, appearing in 23 regular season matches and making 8 starts as the Thorns finished third in the NWSL standings.^[22] She came on as a substitute for Kaitlyn Torpey in both of Portland's playoff matches as the Thorns were eliminated in the semifinals by the Washington Spirit.^[23]