Makenzie Irwin

Time to celebrate one of our students!

Makenzie Irwin (‘28), Civil Engineering major, has been selected as #25 of Fishin’ Girls Nation’s 2025 Top 30 Women Anglers! This recognition proves that she is dominating out on the water and inspiring other women along the way. Out of more than 17,000 women anglers, Irwin has been chosen based on her dedication and love for fishing.

“Being recognized as one of the top 30 women in angling means a lot to me. Personally, it represents the time I have spent on the water through lots of trial and error. Professionally, it allows me to create a platform where I can help grow the sport to those around me,” stated Irwin.

Achieving a goal like this has required not only a lot of time on the water, but it also requires hard work, skill, patience, and strategy. She makes time to study maps with her partner, study weather conditions, and past tournament results. During tournament practice times, Irwin uses her expertise to figure out and understand how the fish are setting up. This allows her to be prepared for what lies ahead.

Even though Irwin is participating in a male-dominated sport, she reminds herself that she works just as hard and is just as knowledgeable as her male counterparts. Her biggest advice to younger women interested in pursuing competitive angling is to have confidence and trust yourself. “Fishing can be incredibly tough mentally, so the biggest thing is to keep your head in it even when it gets hard. One thing I have always heard is that the fish cannot see who is on the other side of the line.”

On top of her dedication to fishing, she also makes her education a priority.

“To balance my academics with fishing, I stay on top of my homework and communicate with my professors.” Irwin uses her time wisely, studying in the car on the way to tournaments and staying up late, just to making sure that she excels in the classroom as much as she does on the water.

Makenzie chose King because of our fishing program and community around campus. “My time at King so far has brought me many friendships and has allowed me to improve my education.”

Irwin’s friends describe her as being headstrong, caring, and outgoing. They also admire her drive to achieve her goals. According to her professors, “She is such a friendly and joyful individual that she simply brightens the lives of those around her.” She sets high expectations, works hard to achieve them, and is a great competitor.

Fishing not only led Irwin to a King education and community, but also an unforgettable memory in her first tournament. “I fished this tournament with my dad, and it was so special to me how it brought us together. The day seemed to go perfectly with us boating plenty of fish. I will never forget it!”

I fished this tournament with my dad, and it was so special to me how it brought us together. The day seemed to go perfectly with us boating plenty of fish. I will never forget it!

Makenzie Irwin, ’28

We are so thrilled for her receiving this honor, but we are even prouder of her dedication, excellence in the classroom, and her morals as a person.