Mallie McKenzie Bio
Mallie Elizabeth McKenzie (born November 13, 2000) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender for Portland Thorns FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She played college soccer for the Georgia Bulldogs from 2019 to 2023 and signed her first professional contract with Portland in March 2024. Standing at 5 feet 9 inches, she wears jersey number 29 for the Thorns and has earned recognition as a versatile defender and wingback.
McKenzie gained attention during her senior season at the University of Georgia, where she helped the Bulldogs capture the Southeastern Conference (SEC) East title and the SEC Championship for the first time in program history. After turning professional, she worked her way into a regular role at Portland and contributed to a third-place NWSL regular season finish in her second year with the club.
Early Life and Background
Mallie Elizabeth McKenzie was born in Roswell, Georgia, on November 13, 2000. She grew up in the Roswell community and attended Roswell High School, where she quickly established herself as one of the most productive goal scorers in the school’s history. By the end of her high school career, she had set the school record for all-time goals scored.
McKenzie also stood out in multiple sports during her time at Roswell. She lettered in cross-country and ran track in her senior year, placing third at the Georgia 7A state championship in the 800 meters in 2019. Her well-rounded athletic background helped shape the speed and endurance that later became part of her identity as a defender.
Path to Soccer
McKenzie joined UFA Milton in eighth grade and quickly became a leader on the team. Playing for Milton, she helped the club capture three Georgia State Cup championships during her youth career. Her performances at the youth level earned her recognition as the 2018 7A Player of the Year, and she was named to the All-Region Team in all four years of her high school career.
Following her high school graduation, McKenzie committed to the University of Georgia to play for the Georgia Bulldogs. The move to the SEC gave her a chance to test herself against some of the strongest collegiate competition in the country and set the stage for her later professional career.
Mallie McKenzie Career
Early Career (2019–2023)
McKenzie played for the Georgia Bulldogs for five seasons between 2019 and 2023. After developing through her early college years, she scored her first collegiate goal on September 9, 2021, in a 5–1 victory over Presbyterian. She continued to grow as a wingback and as an attacking-minded defender throughout her career in Athens.
By the time she finished her college career, McKenzie had set the program record for career appearances with 98 appearances. She also ranked fourth in program history in assists with 22 and added 6 goals. Although she was officially listed as a midfielder, she spent most of her time at Georgia playing as a wingback.
Georgia Bulldogs Breakthrough (2022–2023)
In her senior season, McKenzie played a central role in one of the most successful years in Georgia women’s soccer history. The Bulldogs made their first NCAA Tournament appearance in eight years during the 2023 campaign, though their tournament run ended in the second round with a defeat against North Carolina.
Georgia also captured both the SEC East season title and the SEC Championship for the first time in program history that year. In the SEC Championship match, McKenzie forced an own goal from an Arkansas defender that turned out to be the game-winning play. She also scored a goal and added an assist in the semifinal to help lead the Bulldogs to the title. Her performances earned her a spot on the 2023 SEC All-Tournament Team, and Georgia finished the season with the highest ranking in program history.
Portland Thorns Era (2024–Present)
McKenzie was originally left off Portland Thorns FC’s 2024 preseason roster but received a late invitation to the Coachella Invitational Tournament as a non-roster player because of international absences. After a strong preseason showing, the Thorns signed her to her first professional contract on March 21, 2024. She made her professional debut in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup against Club Tijuana and started all three of the Thorns’ Summer Cup matches, registering an assist against the Utah Royals. Her NWSL regular season debut came on August 24 against NJ/NY Gotham FC, when she entered the match as a substitute in the 78th minute.
In December 2024, McKenzie signed a one-year contract extension with Portland to remain with the club through 2025. She became a regular substitute in her second season, appearing in 23 regular season matches and making 8 starts as the Thorns finished third in the NWSL standings. She also came off the bench for Kaitlyn Torpey in both of Portland’s playoff matches before the team was eliminated in the semifinals by the Washington Spirit.
Driving Style and Strengths
McKenzie is a tall, athletic defender at 5 feet 9 inches who combines endurance with strong attacking instincts. Her experience as a wingback at Georgia allowed her to contribute in both defense and the attack, and she has shown comfort making overlapping runs and delivering service from wide areas. Her track background has helped her maintain a high work rate and cover large distances throughout matches.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of McKenzie’s defining moments came in the 2023 SEC Championship match, when her pressure led to the game-winning own goal against Arkansas. She also helped Georgia reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time in eight years and finished her college career as the program’s all-time leader in appearances. At the professional level, she marked her arrival by assisting against the Utah Royals in the Summer Cup and later played a role in Portland’s third-place NWSL finish in 2024.
Mallie McKenzie Career Wins
Mallie McKenzie’s trophy collection reflects both her team success and her individual recognition across the youth, collegiate, and professional levels. Her biggest team win came in 2023, when she helped the Georgia Bulldogs win the SEC Championship for the first time in program history. She has also contributed to Portland Thorns FC’s consistent playoff presence in the NWSL.
College and Professional Highlights
McKenzie was part of three Georgia State Cup championships during her time with UFA Milton and later added an SEC Championship trophy with the Bulldogs in 2023. In her first full professional season with the Portland Thorns in 2025, she continued to feature regularly as the club competed in the NWSL playoffs.
Other Wins and Performances
McKenzie earned individual honors including the 2018 7A Player of the Year award, All-Region Team recognition in all four years of high school, and a spot on the 2023 SEC All-Tournament Team. She also posted a third-place finish at the 2019 Georgia 7A state championship in the 800 meters.
Mallie McKenzie Family
Family Background and Soccer Lineage
McKenzie grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she developed her love for soccer within a strong local youth soccer community. Her time with UFA Milton, beginning in eighth grade, played a key role in shaping her competitive foundation and helped introduce her to high-level club play.
Personal Life
McKenzie focuses on her professional career with the Portland Thorns FC and continues to build her profile as a defender in the NWSL. Public details about her family life and personal relationships are limited.
2025 Season Performance
Mallie McKenzie entered 2025 fresh off her first significant run of professional minutes with the Portland Thorns. After establishing herself as a reliable substitute and rotational option in 2024, she signed a one-year contract extension in December 2024 to remain with the club for the new season. Wearing jersey number 29, she was expected to compete for an expanded role within the Thorns’ defensive group.
During the 2025 campaign, McKenzie continued to appear as a regular contributor, building on her 23 regular season appearances and 8 starts from the previous year. The Thorns remained one of the NWSL’s most consistent clubs, again qualifying for the postseason and using McKenzie’s versatility at wingback and outside back to stabilize their depth.
Heading into the later stretch of the 2025 season, McKenzie looked poised to take on a larger starting role as Portland pushed through the playoff picture. Her combination of college experience, athletic background, and growing comfort at the professional level positioned her as a key piece of the Thorns’ defensive plans.