Alumni Spotlight: Mackenzie Mallett
SALEM, Mass. - Salem State University athletics is proud to participate in the annual NCAA Division III Week in an effort to celebrate the impact athletics has made on current and former student-athletes. To help focus on the many student-athletes who have come through Salem, we will spotlight current or former Vikings who have worn the Blue and Orange. You will learn more about them as they share their experiences as student-athletes and how they have helped them become who they are outside of their respective sports.
In this spotlight, we will be looking at former women's ice hockey standout Mackenzie Mallett. During her tenure with the Vikings, she played in 63 games and tallied 12 goals and 12 assists (24 points). She also scored three game-winning goals (Dec. 14, 2022 vs. Anna Maria, Feb. 5, 2022 at University of New England, and 5-0 vs. Anna Maria, Jan, 15, 2020). After graduation, she started her own business called Retired Athletes Club. Check out the Q&A where we asked Mallet about her time as a Division III student-athlete, what it meant to her, and how it's impacted her since college.
Q: What have you been up to since graduating?
A: I've been up to a whole bunch of trial and error! Since leaving Salem State, it's been my goal to take chances, try new things, and start a business. I continue to embrace the learning process in all my endeavors, which I previously struggled with.
Q: How did being in Salem State impact you?
A: Salem State Hockey shaped me into the woman I am today. All the responsibilities that come with being a collegiate athlete instilled in me leadership and discipline that I will use forever.
Q: How did being a student-athlete at Salem help prepare you for your current job after college?
A: The lessons I learned from my coaches and teammates gave me the confidence to pursue entrepreneurship. My experience at SSU helped me see myself as a leader, which has carried over into owning a business.
Q: What has been the biggest takeaway from your time at Salem State?
A: Out of all the lessons I've gained from my time at SSU, my biggest takeaway is quite simple: make it happen. It's easy to make excuses, and it's very challenging to "find a way" when it seems impossible. You likely have the tools and resources that you need to be successful. If you don't, find them. Stay persistent and make it happen!
Q: What's your advice to your fellow alumni and current students on how to stay connected to the Salem State community after graduating?
A: There are so many negatives we see and hear about social media, but networking has to be one of its greatest strengths! Following old classmates and teammates, and our various Salem State accounts (@Salemstate, @salemstatealum, @ssuvikings) are some cheap and easy ways to stay connected with SSU! Fortunately, many of my teammates and I are local and able to return to campus for the various alumni events as well.
Q: Can you talk more about your brand, Retired Athletes' Club?
A: After identifying as an athlete my entire life, losing that part of me overnight felt devastating. I didn't know who I was or how to fill the void. It felt like I lost my spark. When I realized I wasn't alone in this struggle, I was determined to start more conversations about it. I knew my future would involve mental health and giving back to the athletic community, but I just didn't know how. I've always loved creating and designing. I decided to spread awareness about athlete identity through stylish apparel—and I believe I've done that!
Q: Looking back, what aspects of the classes you took provided you with the most unexpected value?
A: As a psychology major, I found my course material to be incredibly valuable. I also enjoyed taking SMS courses when I could. The first courses that come to mind are my biological psychology and health psychology. However, one course that I found unexpectedly valuable was Human Performance in Extreme Environments! The course material was incredibly interesting, and I still find myself referencing facts I learned!
Q: What sparked your interest in wanting to start up your brand? What made you want to stay involved in college athletics in a way?
A: My own personal struggle with athlete identity loss inspired me to start more conversations surrounding this topic and to make that transition less daunting for future generations. College athletics gave me so much, so having the Retired Athletes Club makes me feel like I am giving back.
Q: What relationships or connections formed during your time in the classroom or on the ice have proven most valuable to you?
A: I can confidently say that I had great and genuine communication with all my professors! I loved the small class sizes and the fact that my professors actually knew me. They would even attend some of my hockey games! Additionally, the relationships I built with my teammates at SSU are incredibly valuable to me. Together, we went through highs and lows, persevered, and made lifelong memories. We still stay in touch and love getting together for our alumni game!
Q: What do you know now that you wish you'd known as an undergraduate?
A: As an undergraduate, I wish I had trusted the idea that experiences and opportunities are waiting for you that will provide you with the direction you're looking for. Rather than thinking you're supposed to have all the answers, embrace uncertainty and know that new doors are waiting to be opened.
Q: What do you miss most about Salem State and about being a part of the women's hockey team?
A: My team was very close, so I miss the camaraderie. Hanging out with your best friends doing what you love every single day is a blessing. I also truly enjoyed being a role model for underclassmen.
Q: Describe your overall experience as a student-athlete. What does it mean to you today, and what did it mean to you while you were an undergraduate?
A: Being a student-athlete was fun, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. It gave me a great sense of confidence. Though leaving college athletics was challenging, I look back on my time as a student-athlete with immense gratitude. My time management skills and accountability stem from showing up every day for my teammates and giving 110%.
Q: What personal or professional accomplishments are you most proud of since you graduated?
A: Starting the Retired Athletes Club has easily been my greatest accomplishment since graduating from Salem State. I have big dreams and goals for RAC, and I am eager to watch my small business grow!
Q: What is a typical day like for you at Retired Athletes' Club?
A: RAC is currently a one-woman show! I created the website myself, which gives me the freedom and control to run my online store. Aside from order fulfillment, my main priority for RAC is marketing initiatives. Sharing my brand with former athletes across the country is so rewarding, and is something that I work to grow every single day. I am currently creating a workout apparel line, which I'm ecstatic about. In short, I basically live on my laptop!
Q: How would you summarize your Salem State experience?
A: I transferred to Salem State during my sophomore year. Though I was incredibly nervous, I learned that good things happen when you take a chance and apply yourself. I am very appreciative of the networking and relationships I gained during my time at Salem State.
Q: What was your favorite part about being a member of the women's hockey team here at Salem?
A: My favorite part about being on the women's hockey team was leading my team and watching us progress as a group. All the bus rides and overnight trips gave me laughs and memories to last a lifetime! I am beyond thankful to have had those experiences. I can't wait for our next alumni game already!
Q: What's your favorite sports and non-sports memory at Salem?
A: My favorite sport memory was beating USM at their barn in overtime, and my favorite non-sport memory was being a part of the Salem Halloween parade with all the other SSU athletes!
Q: Describe your journey to Salem State
A: When considering what I wanted from my college experience, I prioritized a great campus, strong academics, a tight-knit athletic community, and proximity to Boston. Salem State checked all those boxes and more! During my first day on campus, I felt incredibly nervous yet optimistic. I was scared, but I just knew things would work out. Now, when I have bad days as an entrepreneur, I think back to those first few days at SSU. I was incredibly confident. I channel that same person on my bad days!
About Retired Athletes Club
Retired Athletes Club® is a brand that recognizes the identity and lifestyle shift an athlete experiences when their athletic career ends. Life after sports is intimidating, and finding a sense of belonging can be challenging. R.A.C encourages athletes to redefine their athletic identity and offers a community YOU can belong to for life.