From Knoxville to the World Stage: McKenzie Hawkins’ Rugby Journey

McKenzie Hawkins was born in Knoxville, TN, and her athletic journey began at the tender age of four with soccer. However, it was rugby that ultimately captured her heart. Growing up, her parents were her biggest supporters, always emphasizing the importance of fun in sports. Their encouragement helped McKenzie maintain a genuine love for the game, free from any pressure to continue playing.

McKenzie’s early experiences in sports instilled in her essential life principles, such as punctuality, discipline, and a strong work ethic. These values have been instrumental in her everyday life and athletic career. Her father’s role as a rugby coach introduced her to the sport at an early age. Watching high school and college trainings and being inspired by the U20 girls on her dad’s team fueled her ambition to pursue rugby seriously. By the age of 10, she had already started playing high school rugby, relentlessly chasing her dream of making the U20 team, which she eventually achieved.

Balancing a rigorous academic schedule as a Ph.D. student in Atmospheric Physics with the demands of being a USWNT player is no easy feat. McKenzie’s training regimen is intense, with four-hour sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays, and speed, conditioning, lifting, and kicking sessions on other days. To maintain her mental health, she works with a sports psychologist, ensuring she stays grounded amidst her hectic schedule.

When it comes to competition, McKenzie’s preparation is meticulous. She relies on her physical training, prioritizes sleep, and fuels her body appropriately. Mentally, she values routines like me-time and meditation on game days to keep herself centered and focused.

One of the biggest challenges McKenzie faces is balancing her career and rugby. The demands of both have often clashed, but she is determined to excel in both fields. Her supportive university program has played a crucial role in her success, acknowledging her as a whole person rather than just a student. Despite the challenges, McKenzie is committed to walking this fine line, driven by her passion for both her career and rugby.

A particularly memorable moment in her career was her first cap against the Black Ferns in 2018. Although the team lost, the exhilaration of playing international rugby left her wanting more. This experience solidified her commitment to the sport and her desire to achieve greater heights.

Balancing rugby with other aspects of her life is a constant challenge. McKenzie prioritizes her mental health, relationships, and academic pursuits, ensuring that each day is organized to accommodate her top priorities. Her strong sense of responsibility to both her choices in rugby and her academic career drives her to excel in both.

Setbacks and injuries are inevitable in sports, and McKenzie relies on her core values, support system, and therapist to navigate these challenges. Her advice to young athletes is to have fun and not be swayed by the glamorized perception of sports. Enjoying the game is crucial to long-term success and fulfillment.

Looking to the future, McKenzie hopes to see an increase in the professionalism of rugby, both in the US and globally. She aspires to give back to the sport, whether through financial support, coaching youth teams, or helping schools with rugby programs. Her immediate focus is on maintaining a healthy balance between her academic and athletic pursuits, staying present in her daily objectives.

After completing her Ph.D., McKenzie envisions finding a fulfilling job that offers a healthy work-life balance, allowing her to start a settled life with her partner. She is excited about her current life chapter and looks forward to what the future holds.

When asked about her favorite rugby players, McKenzie names Richie Mo’unga and Shiray Kaka. If she could be any cartoon character, she would choose one with super speed or teleportation abilities. Among her fun experiences, she recalls eating haggis in Scotland and pranking teammates. Her go-to celebration dance move, an embarrassing song on her workout playlist, and the silliest thing she’s done to psych herself up before a competition are just a few of the quirks that make her journey unique.

Currently living in Boulder, CO, McKenzie continues to excel as a Ph.D. student and a formidable rugby player. With numerous accolades, including being a USWNT senior side player, a Sorenson Award winner, and a WPL national champion, she remains a force to be reckoned with on the rugby field. She currently plays for the Colorado Grey Wolves and has previously played for Lifewest, Lindenwood University, and Maryville RFC. McKenzie Hawkins’ journey is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence.