In celebration of Recreation Therapy Month, we’re spotlighting Mckenna Woodhead! Mckenna is a driven athlete, recreation therapist, and lifelong learner whose journey in adaptive sports reflects the power of opportunity, mentorship, and community.

Mckenna is originally from South Carolina and is a graduate of Clemson University, where she played wheelchair rugby and became a national champion in wheelchair tennis. After graduation this past August, Mckenna earned her Recreational Therapy certification. Shortly after, she moved north to pursue her Master’s in Sports Management at the University of Michigan, where she now plays wheelchair rugby. 

“The community and personal growth [wheelchair rugby] has given me are so important to me, and I am very thankful to be able to play competitively,” Mckenna says.

Through every stage of Mckenna’s growth in the sport, KBF has been by her side– first with an offensive chair and more recently a defensive chair. During her undergraduate career with the Carolina Crash rugby team at Clemson, Mckenna played offense. As she transitioned from Division III to Division I at Michigan, her mentors advised that a switch to defense will accelerate her value to the team and overall potential within the sport. “I have a goal to make it to the highest level possible in this sport,” she says. “I believe I can, with the correct equipment and environment.”

Mckenna recently had the opportunity to attend the United States Wheelchair Rugby Development Camp, which was an invite-only event for upcoming players with potential hosted by the US team coaches and players. “Mckenna has achieved remarkable success in both her academic and athletic endeavors,” reflects the Clemson Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program Manager. 

In addition to an incredible career in tennis and rugby thus far, Mckenna also loves to water ski, handcycle, and goes snow skiing with her family every winter. This Recreation Therapy Month, Mckenna’s journey highlights the powerful role recreation and sport can play in building confidence, connection, and possibility. We’re proud to support her path and can’t wait to see where it leads.