Robert Morris women’s basketball guard Mackenzie Amalia is just beginning her junior season with the Colonials, but her path here has not been easy.

When visiting the Robert Morris University campus, both Amalia and her parents knew right away that RMU was the right place for her to continue her academic and athletic careers.

“I think I had the best connection with the coaches here,” Amalia said. “I could tell that they had a really strong faith base, and that was really important to me.”

Although she regularly has fans in the stands to support her, the Beaver Falls native will always have a missing fan in the stands, as her father never got to see her in a Colonial uniform.

“My father actually passed away, so he, unfortunately, didn’t get to see me play at Robert Morris, but I know he loved RMU, so I know he’s here watching still,” Amalia said.

Although they will never be able to complete the whole, the RMU junior guard has regular supporters in the stands.

“My sister lives in New York now. She did surprise me at a game last year, so she got to see me play once or twice, and my mom, she comes to every game she can get to no matter what,” Amalia said.

With the basketball season still in its beginning stages, the 5-foot-5 guard has high expectations for the team during the season.

“I just want to see us continue to grow and get better each game.”

Amalia and the Colonials hope to continue their success as they look to remain perfect as they take on Akron next Wednesday, Nov.26, at 6 p.m.