Sometimes the stars align, literally and figuratively. For KGRA sportscaster Doug Rieder, and his wife, Sue, their recent trip to Maine found themselves in the company of 2024 WNBA draft choice Mackenzie Holmes. The Indiana Hoosiers All-American scored more than 2,500 points in her college career and was chosen by the Seattle Storm in the recent WNBA Draft with the 26th pick. She would have been selected sooner, but had reconstructive knee surgery in May and is hopeful of playing in May of 2025.

Holmes was at a Portland Seadogs baseball game on Mackenzie Holmes Bobblehead Night. She’s a Gorham, ME high school graduate, and she talked with Rieder about having her own Bobblehead Night. “It’s surreal, honestly. When they brought this opportunity up to me, I was like, ‘Are you guys sure I’m the one you want?” She also didn’t expect many fans to show up 90 minutes before game time to hear her speak, as well as sign autographs and take photos. Some 300 people were in line when the gates opened!

About the rivalry with Iowa, the Hoosiers’ standout said, “It was highly competitive every single time we played them, and there’s always just an extra level of competitiveness when you step on the floor against a team like that because you know what they’re going to bring and the crowd that you’re going to have. It’s always fun!”

Holmes will continuing rehabbing while remaining with the Indiana women’s program as a Graduate Manager for the 2024-25 season.