WINFIELD, Kan. — For Southwestern College senior Macey Pond, the path to 1,000 career points began in kindergarten.

"I started playing for my school's rec team in kindergarten," Pond said. "My parents are the ones that first got me into basketball."

On Jan. 28 against Bethel College, the senior point guard reached the milestone, scoring 17 points to surpass 1,000 for her career and becoming the newest member of Southwestern's 1,000-point club. With one game remaining in the regular season, Pond has 1,093 career points.

The achievement is one of several highlights in a standout career for the Builders' No. 22. 

Earlier this season, Pond scored a career-high 32 points against Bethany College on Dec. 13. She also recorded 19 rebounds against McPherson on Jan. 10, the fourth-highest single-game total in school history. In that same matchup with McPherson last season, Pond hit a 3-pointer with 30 seconds remaining to give Southwestern the lead.

Pond's rise has been steady. As a freshman, she scored 220 points and earned All-Freshman Team honors. She followed with 186 points as a sophomore and 266 as a junior.

Now a senior, Pond is averaging 15.7 points and 9.1 rebounds per game while leading a young roster.

Her versatility has defined the 2025-26 season. Pond has posted season highs of 11 assists at Hesston College, 19 rebounds and six steals at McPherson, and 32 points against Bethany. She has scored in double figures in all but one game this season and logged a season-high 45 minutes at Tabor on Jan. 21.

Pond describes her style in three words: controlled, versatile and selfless.

"I love being able to control the flow of offense and draw defenders to get my teammates open," she said.

The senior also embraces her leadership role.

"I'm the oldest on the team, so I have more experience and will lead by example," Pond said. "I'm patient, dependable, and always willing to help my teammates."

She credits her parents as the biggest influences in her basketball career. Both coached her in elementary school, emphasizing hard work and teamwork. One parent has attended games consistently from her early rec days through college.

Among her earliest memories is a family game of pig.

"I beat my uncle Tyler at pig for the first time when I was 8," she said. "He hasn't played me since."

Pond chose Southwestern in part to remain close to home as the oldest sibling and because of the welcoming atmosphere she experienced on her visit.

Off the court, Pond majors in health science and plans to apply to physician assistant school after graduation. She hopes to be working as a PA and starting a family in the next five to 10 years. Outside basketball, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing and traveling. After games, she prefers Taco Bell or pasta.

Entering the season, Pond set two goals: reach 1,000 career points and earn all-conference recognition. With the scoring milestone achieved, her focus remains on finishing the season strong.

"Knowing that many people wish to be in my position and have the opportunity to play motivates me on tough days," she said.

With one regular-season game remaining, Pond's impact on Southwestern women's basketball is secure, from freshman standout to senior leader and record-setter.

"Don't take the time for granted," Pond said. "It goes faster than you think. And you don't ever know when it could be your last time on the court."