A sporting dream has come true for Jets’ Mackenzee Stokes.
The 19-year-old has accepted a scholarship offer to play football in the United States.
Macka will fly out to the mid-west state of Nebraska on July 31 to study exercise science at the Northeast Community College in Norfolk.
After two years at the junior college, Macka plans to finish her studies majoring in exercise physiology at a senior university for further two years.
“This is only my fifth season playing football, but it has been a dream of mine for a long time to play in America,” said Macka. “And now that dream has come true.
“But when I return to Australia I will be right back here playing for the Jets again! Jets is now in my blood. I don’t think I could ever play anywhere else.”
Macka was in Peninsula Power’s Under 15 NPL side in 2017, before joining Moreton Bay United’s Under 17s for the 2018 and 2019 seasons.
When a move to the Sunshine Coast fell through last year, she rejoined Power in the BPL, but was back at Jets this season, figuring in all but one match, so far, for both the Under 23s and Women’s teams.
“David (da Silva) and Gary (Ward) have been amazing coaches to me this year,” she said.
“If it was not for their great dedication and pushing me to my potential I would never have had this amazing opportunity to play abroad.
“I feel I have advanced in my football this year especially with David and Gary giving me the chance to play in the women's team which has been just amazing.
“I am so grateful for every opportunity I have been given.
“The Jets have been an amazing part of my playing career and I can't wait to see what great playing experiences I may have in America.”