Mackenzie Dempsey, former UGA cheerleader and NFL fiancé of David Andrews (Patriots), tells us her story so far, as she looks forward to the next chapter in her life. Mackenzie is our #WCW because she uses her passion to help high schoolers find theirs.
1. What's your story? What makes you unique?
I know one thing that made me very unique when I went to college was the fact that I was from such a small town compared to most of my best friends who were all from metro Atlanta. I spoke a different way, ate different foods and was just all around different. I am so thankful for my small town, Cedartown, GA, and the way I grew up. I wouldn’t be who I am, or where I am without it.
2. What's one of the coolest things you've ever done?
One of the coolest things I’ve ever done actually happened this past weekend. My fiancé’s team made it to the Super Bowl, and won! So, needless to say, there were a lot of super cool experiences while we were there and immediately following.
3. Who is a hero of yours?
My hero would have to be my mom. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, she was my everything. Both my parents were a huge part of my life, but my mom did everything for me. She never let her sickness get in the way of that. Come to think of it, I can’t even remember a time of her actually being physically sick, besides maybe once.
4. Give us a road map of your career. How did you get to where you are today?
In high school, I was involved in pretty much anything and everything. Luckily, I got accepted to the University of Georgia, and it undoubtedly changed my life. I was a cheerleader, a member of Alpha Omicron Pi and a health promotion and behavior major. I am not currently working, however, because I am living half of the year in Foxboro, Massachusetts with my fiancé David, who plays for the New England Patriots. The other half of the year, I will be back in Georgia. Seems a little complicated, right? That’s what most people don’t understand about this life. While there are contracts signed by both players and teams, those contracts are solely at the discretion of the team. Players can get cut from the team at any time. It makes it nearly impossible for significant others to have their own career. They have to fully commit to following their partner wherever the NFL may take him.
5. What's your future plan? Your goals?
This past year, since I wasn’t working, I became a volunteer cheer coach at a local high school, and fell in love with it. It totally solidified my passion of working with teenagers. I was very close with my high school guidance counselor, and always wanted to be her. I think it just kind of hit me that I can be her. So, my next move would be to get my master’s degree in school counseling. I would love to find a school where I could also be a cheerleading coach.
6. If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?
One thing I have really struggled with since graduating college is worrying about what people think of me. I think social media has really magnified that pressure on our society, especially our generation of girls. I came across this quote recently that really resonated with me: “Don’t worry if you’re making waves simply by being yourself. The moon does it all the time.”
7. What is something you feel strongly about (a cause, belief, etc.)?
I have always felt strongly about women’s reproductive rights. I believe any woman should be able to choose what and who happens to her body.
