Mackenzie Martin: Playing for Something Bigger

From Martinsville, Indiana, 21-year-old Mackenzie Martin has always been an outside hitter who plays with power, precision, and heart. But heading into her freshman year of college, life changed in ways she could never have imagined.

Just a week before high school graduation, Mackenzie’s dad was diagnosed with glioblastoma. That summer brought his first brain surgery, the loss of her grandmother, and the challenge of caring for her family while preparing to leave home for school and collegiate volleyball. It was a lot for anyone—let alone an 18-year-old—to handle.

Through the chaos, Mackenzie grounded herself in her faith, finding strength in her belief that she was never truly alone. When her dad passed, she searched for a way to carry his presence with her into her final volleyball season. Knowing the brain cancer ribbon color was gray, she thought of TIY—not just as a hair tie, but as a symbol.

She chose our gray Moondust hair tie, paired with the quote “You’re knot alone.” For Mackenzie, it’s more than an accessory—it’s a quiet, constant reminder of her dad’s steady, calming spirit and his voice cheering her on from above.

This season, Mackenzie is dedicating every game to him, aiming to “go out and ball out” just like he would want. Her story is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of carrying a piece of someone you love into everything you do.