By Andrea Gomez M
From the green valley landscapes of Pennsylvania to the vibrant art hub of Bushwick, New York, two stars were born. In 2021, The City College of New York welcomed two talented, soccer-loving siblings: MacKenzie and Vincent Moreno.
Raised by athletic parents who both grew up playing soccer in Ecuador, MacKenzie and Vincent were strongly encouraged to pursue soccer as both a hobby and a lifestyle, even after experimenting with a variety of sports in their youth. Soccer became a lifelong passion for both, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.
Though their early relationship with the sport wasn’t one of immediate connection, both siblings learned to love soccer. “I grew to enjoy the sport and actually love it. Now I can't picture myself not playing...it's part of me,” MacKenzie shared.
As children, when the siblings played on the same co-ed team, they were affectionately known as ‘the dynamic duo’—Vincent played defense, while MacKenzie played as an attacker/midfielder.
Throughout her senior year as captain of the women's soccer team, MacKenzie had to balance managing three jobs, planning practice strategies, meeting academic responsibilities, and still found time to participate in her weekend soccer league. These endeavors often proved overwhelming but, even on her most challenging days, she remained determined, while being encouraged by her older brother and teammates.
In his senior year, Vincent faced the challenge of balancing two jobs, academic commitments, his participation in the CCNY soccer club, and early morning practices—even after sustaining an ankle injury. His perseverance and dedication to his team is truly inspiring. “You might feel like you're suffering and think you can't keep going but, knowing that your teammates are also there at 6 a.m. practice pushes you through...we’re all struggling together, which motivates you to keep going,” Vincent explained.
Both siblings share a strong passion for coaching, following in the footsteps of their father. MacKenzie serves as the head coach for Unique Baller FC—a club founded by a close friend—where she works diligently with young girls aspiring to play soccer at a competitive level. Vincent takes a more playful approach to coaching, working with Super Soccer Stars, where he teaches children of all ages to enjoy the game while learning its fundamentals.
The close bond between the Morenos is evident in their unwavering support for one another. Vincent speaks fondly of the ways his sister helps him in many aspects of life. He admires MacKenzie’s ability to manage her time effectively, accomplishing everything with remarkable efficiency. “She gets everything done seamlessly, and I really respect her for that,” Vincent said. In turn, MacKenzie admires Vincent’s unrelenting drive. His “I want, so I will” mentality serves as a constant source of inspiration for her.
Looking ahead, after graduation, Vincent hopes to combine his love for soccer with his mathematics degree as he applies for internships in sports data analytics. His primary goal is to be happy, content, and confident in his professional pursuits. While coaching remains a passion, Vincent is determined to continue his athletic career and stay involved in soccer teams. Upon leaving college, he aspires to be remembered as a lighthearted, goofy, and friendly individual who also embodied leadership qualities.
MacKenzie also plans to integrate her love for soccer with her psychology degree. She hopes to gain experience in mental health counseling through internships, with the goal of returning to school to pursue her master's degree. Her professional goal is to become a therapist, and she is particularly interested in sports psychology. MacKenzie is committed to continuing her coaching career. She wants to make a positive impact on younger generations by becoming a role model for young female athletes while aspiring to enhance the sports world by contributing as a female coach. Upon leaving college, MacKenzie hopes to be recognized as a leader—determined, kind, and dedicated.
As CCNY sends off the dynamic duo with high spirits and heartfelt wishes for their future endeavors, we reflect on the incredible impact they've had during their soccer season. While their time on the field has come to an end, spring sports are just around the corner. Don’t miss out on the fun and excitement that spring sports bring to campus!