When McKenna Rhodes stepped onto Newman University’s campus in the fall of 2023, she brought with her more than just her volleyball expertise. She also brought a deep resilience, a love for people and a legacy of strength shaped by loss.
Originally from Ozark, Missouri, Rhodes transferred to Newman after two years at Butler Community College, where she earned her associate degree in liberal arts and sciences while playing collegiate volleyball.
Recruited for her athletic talent, she made the short trip west to join Newman’s volleyball team as an outside hitter. By her senior year, she was voted as team captain, a testament to the respect she earned from her coaches and teammates.
Set to graduate as a psychology major, Rhodes became one of the founding members of Newman’s Psychology Club.
Alongside five other Newman students, Rhodes helped start the club and served on its executive board as its social media and public relations coordinator.
The introduction of the club couldn’t have been possible without the support from professors Whitney Burke and Greg Smith, who have also been instrumental for Rhodes in her time at Newman University.
Remembrance
Like many, life throws obstacles in people’s way. Although for Rhodes, the obstacles were significant.
Just before arriving at Newman in fall 2023, Rhodes and her family had to deal with the heartbreaking death of her father from a very rare and severe type of prostate cancer.
Rhodes said, “He was diagnosed when I was in middle school and was only given about a year to live. However, he fought for seven years and made sure he did everything in his power to watch my brothers and I grow up.”
Understandably, Rhodes faced challenges on and off the court as she dealt with the loss.
Through guidance and support, she’s been able to grow and flourish into a leader, in volleyball and in life.
“Losing him was like losing everything I knew and liked about myself,” she reflected. “But I keep going because I want to make him proud. I try to be the kind of person he was. The kind of person he’d want me to be.”
A network of support
Rhodes credits Newman and the “lovely, warm and helpful” atmosphere on campus. Because of this, she continues to succeed despite the obstacles.
The support found at Newman has been heartwarming for Rhodes who openly shared how she struggled through her grief. When it led Rhodes to a real dark place, Burke was the first to notice,
“She gave me resources, time and care,” Rhodes said. “She helped me get help when I needed it most. I honestly don’t think I’d be walking across the graduation stage in May without her. I don’t think she’ll ever truly understand how much our relationship means to me.”
Burke isn’t the only one Rhodes credits.
Professors like Smith and Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Kristi Edwards have left a profound impact on her life, too.
“I would say Newman is full of hard-headed, ambitious people,” Rhodes said. “I love being surrounded by people with dreams and goals. When you’re surrounded by people who reach for the stars, a lot of the time you see those dreams come to reality, and it’s a really cool thing to experience.”
Rhodes will be leaving Newman with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
“I didn’t always know what career I wanted, but I knew I wanted to help people,” she said. “And understanding human behaviour felt like a powerful place to start.”
The sense of community, ambition, and genuine kindness she found on campus has made leaving all the more difficult.
With her playing days behind her, she is looking to finish out her time at Newman enjoying her final semester as much as possible, focusing on finals and growing the Psychology Club.
The future
With the college lifestyle swiftly coming to a close, Rhodes has her eyes on the future.
She plans to head back home to Ozark, Missouri, and look for opportunities to work directly with people. She says her heart is open to wherever she’s meant to go before graduate school. She listed some considerations: coaching, nonprofit work or volunteering at a women’s shelter.
Rhodes’ end goal is to give back, helping people navigate their hardships. She sees herself working in clinical psychology, perhaps as a sports or child psychologist.
“There are so many paths I can see myself on. I’m just excited to get started,” she said.
If Rhodes could give advice to her younger self, she would tell her “to enjoy every moment, but never at the expense of her identity.”
She continued, “You don’t have to chase fun just to feel alive. The best people are the ones who love you when you’re quiet, who are there for your lowest moments and your highest ones. Surround yourself with them — and you’ll live a life that really matters.”
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