MacKenzie Krauch has a clear game plan, and she's sticking to it. The Batavia senior utility standout is laser-focused on finishing her final season strong on the softball diamond, followed by graduation. After that, she's heading to Illinois State University, where she's already been accepted and will pursue a bachelor's degree in physical education.
"That's the goal," Krauch said. "I want to teach and coach in high school."
On Saturday, Krauch showed exactly why she's such a valuable player. She went 5-for-7 at the plate, but her individual effort wasn't enough as Batavia dropped a nonconference doubleheader to host Benet, losing 12-2 and 8-5 in Lisle. The Bulldogs now head into the final week of the regular season looking to build momentum.
"This week has been a little rough," Krauch admitted. "I've been making contact but hitting it right at people. It was really nice to get back into my groove, get a few hits and get on base again. Hopefully, it will carry into next week and then the playoff week."
Krauch set the tone early in the opener, launching one of her two doubles to drive in junior second baseman Alexis Coonrod, who had reached on an infield error. But Benet answered quickly, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first and adding six more in the second off freshman pitcher Francesca Carter, who was hindered by two defensive errors.
Hitting has never been a question for Krauch. Last season, she batted .363 with two home runs and eight RBIs at the top of the Bulldogs' order. This spring, she's hitting .358 with 12 RBIs, proving her consistency at the plate.
"Kenzie is one of the team leaders and very vocal," Batavia coach Torry Pryor said. "She'll play injured. She gives up her body for the team."
Krauch's versatility was on full display Saturday. Normally playing left field this season, she shifted to third base in the opener due to a lineup shuffle—two senior starters were unavailable because of family commitments. She made a highlight-reel defensive play there, then served as the designated hitter in the nightcap, lacing three singles in four at-bats.
Throughout her career, Krauch has also played shortstop and even pitched, making her the kind of do-it-all athlete every coach wants on their roster. As she prepares for the next chapter at Illinois State—whether she walks on to the softball team or not—her immediate focus remains on finishing her senior season strong and taking those lessons with her into a future teaching and coaching career.