Mackenzie Bender joined Illinois State as a Graduate Assistant in June 2023 in the Athletic Premium Events Department.

Prior to Illinois State University, she attended Castleton University in Vermont for two years where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management and a Minor in Business administration. She was a member of the volleyball program as well as an intern for the Athletic Department. Bender completed her first two years of undergrad at Wesley College in Delaware where she was a member of the women’s volleyball and basketball programs.

In March 2022, she completed a nine month internship in Orlando, Florida. She worked for Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products company which falls under the Walt Disney Company as an intern within their sport and wellness team.

Bender is originally from Sussex County, Delaware.