MacKenzie Peterson
Apache Junction
Summary
Dedicated and competitive softball coach with a passion for developing confident, disciplined, and team-oriented athletes both on and off the field. Former Division 1 softball player with strong knowledge of player development, game strategy, leadership, and team culture. Committed to building a competitive program centered around hard work, communication, accountability, and an aggressive "play all out" mentality. Known for motivating athletes to compete fearlessly, support their teammates, and challenge themselves to grow while creating a positive, energetic, and high expectation environment. Strong ability to build relationships with athletes, foster confidence, and develop scrappy, resilient competitors who play with passion and purpose.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Physical Education Teacher
Queen Creek Unified School District
Silver Valley & Gateway Polytechnic Acacademy
07.2025 - Current
- Developed engaging physical education curriculum aligned with state standards.
- Implemented innovative teaching methods to enhance student participation and skill development.
- Assessed student performance and provided individualized feedback for improvement.
- Developed age-appropriate lesson plans to introduce fundamental movement skills and build athletic confidence in students.
Assistant Varsity Softball Coach
Mesa Unified School District
Red Mountain High School
01.2025 - 05.2025
- Developed and implemented training programs to enhance player skills and teamwork.
- Analyzed game strategies to optimize performance and improve competitive outcomes.
- Mentored athletes in personal development, fostering leadership and resilience on and off the field.
- Implemented effective game strategies based on thorough analysis of opponent strengths and weaknesses.
- Strengthened defensive skills by conducting focused drills aimed at enhancing players'' agility, reaction time, and decision-making abilities under pressure.
- Boosted offensive performance through targeted practice sessions designed around improving batting accuracy, power output from hitters, and strategic baserunning.
Physical Education Teacher
Wilson School District #7
Wilson Primary
07.2024 - 05.2025
- Organized and led extracurricular sports programs to promote teamwork and healthy competition.
- Collaborated with faculty to integrate physical education into overall school wellness initiatives.
- Fostered a positive learning environment that encouraged students' physical, social, and emotional growth.
- Adapted instructional methods to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities within the classroom.
- Organized annual field days and sports tournaments, promoting physical activity and healthy competition among students.
Head Softball Coach (16u)
Sting Baseball/Softball
Sting Softball, Stephenville TX
08.2023 - 04.2024
- Developed and implemented training programs to enhance player skills and performance.
- Coordinated practice schedules to optimize team development and engagement.
- Analyzed game strategies to improve competitive edge during tournaments.
- Mentored assistant coaches in developing effective coaching techniques and methodologies.
Education
Master of Science - Kinesiology-Sport Management
Tarleton State University
Stephenville, TX05-2023
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology-Exercise Science
Tarleton State University
Stephenville, TX05-2022
Skills
- Player Development & Skill Instruction
- Game Strategy & Competitive Mindset
- Communication & Relationship Building
- Confidence & Mental Toughness Coaching
- Athletic Performance & Conditioning
- Conflict Resolution & Athlete Support
- Strong Knowledge of Softball Fundamentals & Mechanics
- Positive & High Energy Coaching Style
Certification
- Arizona Teaching Certification, EC-12 PPR #160
- TExAS Teaching Certification, EC-12 PE #158
- NFHS, Fundamentals of Coaching
- NFHS, Concussion in Sports
Accomplishments
- Sports Center, ESPN, Top Ten Plays (2019, 2021, 2023)
- National Invitations Softball Championships (NISC), Tarleton State University (2021-2022)
- Went over a full calender year with flawless defense between sophomore and junior seasons (3/30/2021-4/15/2022)
- Gold Glove Award (2021)
- Lettered four years at Gilbert High School (2014-2018)
- Two-time team captain at Gilbert High School (2017,2018)
- Three-time All-District (2016, 2017, 2018)
- Two-time All-State (2017, 2018)
- Two-time All-Region (2017, 2018)
- GHS Offensive Player of the Year (2018)
- GHS Player of the Year (2017)
- GHS Volleyball (2014, 2015)
Timeline
Physical Education Teacher
Queen Creek Unified School District
07.2025 - Current
Assistant Varsity Softball Coach
Mesa Unified School District
01.2025 - 05.2025
Physical Education Teacher
Wilson School District #7
07.2024 - 05.2025
Head Softball Coach (16u)
Sting Baseball/Softball
08.2023 - 04.2024
Master of Science - Kinesiology-Sport Management
Tarleton State University
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology-Exercise Science
Tarleton State University