First of all, Burlington Central junior Mekenzie Rogers was absolutely thrilled about being invited to play in an elite international soccer tournament in Denmark.
But that turned out to be only the second most important thing that happened this summer for the gifted midfielder and her blossoming career in the lead up to her committing to Michigan State.
“I had a lot of talks with my parents, and I had a lot of time to reflect on my options and take everything into consideration,” Rogers said. “I didn’t want to wait any longer.
“I just felt Michigan State was my future.”
Playing in the Big Ten was something Rogers couldn’t turn down. And?
“Michigan State just felt like home to me,” she said. “The facilities and campus were nice. I love the playing style and the coaches. I’m eager to go over there and show them what I could do.”
Last spring, Rogers showed the state what she could do during a breakthrough season.
After playing club as a freshman, Rogers emerged as an athletic, skilled shot creator and finisher. She scored 39 goals and added 10 assists in leading the Rockets to fourth place in Class 2A.
In the close-knit girls soccer program at Burlington Central, the players were familiar with Rogers’ name and reputation. What they discovered when she joined the team was a revelation.
Her soccer talent is obvious, but it was her personality, humor and warmth that stood out, according to junior goalkeeper Kenzie Lorkowski.
“She’s the type of person that everyone wants to be around because she’s just a good person,” Lorkowski said of Rogers. ”The biggest thing I admire is how humble she is.
“She’s always the first person to congratulate the player who assisted her. She’s very selfless and will do whatever it takes for the team.”
Growing up Rogers took up swimming, gymnastics and karate. She also played basketball.
Soccer was the sport that struck a nerve, however, bending to her creative spirit and love of freedom and spontaneity.
“When I first walked on the field, it just felt right,” she said. “I had the feeling I could grow in the sport. I take pride in trying to be a game-changer and do things that people don’t usually see.”
Few people are as aware of Rogers’ desire to be perceived as both highly distinct and woven into a collective than her twin brother, Mason. He was born a minute earlier than his precocious sister.
“Mekenzie is elite at soccer because of her drive to get better,” Mason said. “She’s a great person. Ever since we were kids, she cared deeply about others, showing kindness and respect.”
The fraternal twins also have a 13-year-old brother.
During the pandemic, Mason’s interest in playing soccer declined, but the two stuck together.
“We were always very competitive growing up, just being twins and sharing everything,” Mekenzie said. “We don’t really look alike. You’d never guess we were siblings if you saw us on the street.
“He’s my twin brother and our personalities just fit each other.”
Having a twin brother helped Mekenzie’s decision to play with boys teams in club the last four years. She also loves to dance with her mother, watch movies and cook, teaching herself recipes.
As far as college goes, having her family close and able to see her games was a crucial factor in the decision. Her nature, personality and the game have always been naturally intertwined.
And Michigan State will be the next step.
”When I first started playing, I felt I had a gift,” Rogers said. “I’m really happy I chose soccer to be my sport. It has clicked for me.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
