The Soul Goals, Episode 33: Makenzee

“The devil whispered in my ear, you are not strong enough to withstand the storm.  I whispered in the devil’s ear, I AM the storm.”

For survivor and collegiate basketball player Makenzee Mason, knowing that she is that storm was the catalyst to get her through the waves and the winds,  bringing her to a point of advocacy and self-love.  Taking the chance on coming out with her story regarding multiple tenants of abuse at the hands of a trusted coach over the course of years took an immeasurable amount of courage and strength.  

Falling to a rock-bottom place after carrying her abuse privately, Makenzee’s collegiate staff helped walk her out the place of darkness and addiction she was living in and into a place of healing where she could begin to feel the support and love from those around her.  Knowing that revealing her story could have long-standing ramifications for herself and her family in the community where her abuse occurred, Makenzee realized that without reporting these events, others would inevitably fall in to a silent victim residence like she had.  Her drive to help others ultimately started a journey of healing and love that she herself needed so deeply.

A new college graduate, Makenzee is adamant about advocating for others and allowing space for their stories to be heard.  Her experience is filled with truth and honestly and sadly, is not the only one of its kind.  Her goal is to spread awareness and encourage other survivors to find their space of healing, reminding them that they, too, are the storm. 

Everyone has a story, and every story matters!