Mckenna Woodhead was just like any other 14-year-old. She loved playing soccer, hanging out with friends, and spending time in the summer sun. But in one moment, her life changed.
It was nearly one year ago when Mckenna was in a jet ski accident in North Carolina, causing her to be paralyzed from the chest down and confining her to a wheelchair. But the determined Carolina Rapids soccer player persisted.
“I wasn't going to let it defeat me. I couldn’t do life anymore like I wanted to, so I looked for ways that I could do things differently.” Mckenna explains. “I learned so much about all the opportunities people in wheelchairs can still do. It's just a bit different.”
There was a learning curve and adjustment period as Mckenna transitioned to life in a chair. However, it didn’t keep her sidelined for very long.
“I like to do wheelchair rugby. It's really fun,” she says. “And I go waterskiing. I've been doing that this summer.”
One might think her accident would deter her from water-sports all together. But that was not at all the case for Mckenna. “I was never really afraid of it. It didn't really phase me.”
Her story and bravery inspired so many not only in her area, but around the nation. Mckenna’s teammates at the Carolina Rapids nominated her for the SheBelieves Hero on social media – a contest through the U.S. Women’s National Team that is awarded to the person who is a leader in their community and empowers those around them.
After hearing her story and the way she remained hopeful in times of adversity, Mckenna won the contest and was flown out to Nashville to meet the USWNT.
“It’s a once in a lifetime thing. And it was a life-changing experience,” she says. “I think about it all the time; about how cool it was.”
She stays in touch with her favorite player, Tobin Heath, who exchanges text messages with her all the time. It was moments like these that Mckenna is truly grateful for the bonds she’s formed with her teammates throughout her years with the beautiful game.
“They supported me a lot. They did everything they could to help me feel better and to have these experiences.”
Even though Mckenna can no longer play soccer like she used to, she still keeps herself surrounded by the sport.
“I watch more soccer now than I have ever before. It's my way to stay with the game because I still love it.” But it doesn’t stop there for the 15-year-old. She also gives back to the community.
“I also help out with inclusion soccer. Players have different disabilities and all of them are different. I help them, teach them not to use their hands with the ball. It's really fun. I like doing it. A lot of them are closer to me because I am in a wheelchair and the other helpers aren't. We are more connected, I guess. They can relate to me a bit more.”
Her lifetime passion and inspirational dedication to the beautiful game led her to her first MLS match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to watch the not only Atlanta United, but the U.S. Women’s National Team on the Halo board.
“I got to go up to the press box and watch the U.S. game,” Mckenna says on her viewing experience for the Women’s World Cup final. “It was pretty fancy.”
This was all made possible thanks to help of ATL UTD 2 head coach, Stephen Glass.
“He was my ECNL coach the year before I got injured,” Mckenna explains. “he only coached there for one year, then came here [to Atlanta United]. And he's helped a lot. He provided us the opportunity to come out here and do all of this, so that's really cool. It means a lot to have him care and still want to keep in touch.”
This new chapter of life has just begun for Mckenna. She has always been positive, fun-loving and confident, and shows no signs of stopping any time soon. She wants to stay immersed in the sport.
“I want to do media or something because I definitely want to stay in the game.”
She’s ready to take the future head-on; ready to withstand whatever obstacle may come her way.
“It's hard sometimes, but you just got to keep going and keep pushing through because if you don't do anything life would be too boring, so you got to try everything.”
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