Clemson has always been home to many unique student-athletes who not only display their drive and dedication on the field but also in their daily lives. Sport is something of great value across Clemson’s campus, with a plethora of programs finding well-deserved success — one in particular being the Adaptive Sports and Recreation.
Amongst their roster of praiseworthy athletes is Mckenna Woodhead, a senior making a ripple in the world of adaptive sports. Woodhead is not only one of Clemson’s 28,747 students but, more importantly, a beloved friend, daughter and an inspiring wheelchair athlete who recently took home the 2024 ITA Collegiate Wheelchair National Championship title.
From Clover, South Carolina, Woodhead grew up surrounded by sports. Her passion lay with the game of soccer as she played for the Carolina Rapids ECNL team with aspirations of continuing the sport into her collegiate years. Her life changed in 2014, however, when she was faced with a spinal cord injury as a result of a jet ski accident. With damage to the C6-C7 segment of her neck, she is now paralyzed from the chest down.
Nonetheless, Woodhead did not let this injury interfere with her grit. While in the hospital, she was introduced to adaptive sports, made for those with the strength to defy limitations and display their unique power. With this newly discovered opportunity, her focus shifted to a passion for the games of rugby and tennis, where she would later find triumph.
Deciding to attend Clemson University to pursue a degree in the parks, recreation and tourism management department, Woodhead has found herself participating in wheelchair tennis, as well as the game of “murderball” — a mix of rugby, soccer, basketball and football.
“From the moment I started playing rugby, it immediately clicked for me,” Woodhead said in an interview with The Tiger.
She has participated in this sport for six years and picked up tennis in 2021 with the newly organized wheelchair tennis team.
“Tennis has taught me so much about myself and my determination,” Woodhead said. “I’m incredibly grateful that Clemson offers wheelchair tennis, as it has given me numerous opportunities and introduced me to an amazing community.”
At the start of November, Woodhead was able to fulfill a dream of hers. With Clemson’s wheelchair tennis program, she had the opportunity and ability to take part in the ITA Collegiate Wheelchair National Championship at the University of Alabama. Across the nation, 15 schools are home to a wheelchair tennis team, and Woodhead was one of the 18 athletes who qualified to compete in the singles finals.
Woodhead’s talent and determination led her to win the 2024 championship title, an achievement that left her feeling on top of the world.
“It was the culmination of four years of hard work, early mornings and dedication,” Woodhead said. “Ever since beginning my collegiate tennis career, winning the national title was my main goal.”
This accomplishment not only speaks to Woodhead’s athleticism but also the integrity and perseverance she wields daily. She says she hopes that this win “provides an opportunity to advocate for the growth of Clemson’s adaptive sports program,” and there is no doubt that it will leave a mark on the future of Clemson’s adaptive sports.
Woodhead’s story is filled with inspiration and encouragement. With this course of life, she is thankful for the ability to partake in adaptive sports and is passionate about the impact it has on those with disabilities, like herself.
“Being able to continue as an athlete after my injury saved my life and gave me a purpose,” Woodhead said.
She advocates for the benefits of adaptive sports, speaking highly about how they have allowed her to stay active and healthy. Not only that, adaptive sports have connected her with an incredible community, one full of valuable mentors and friends that she shares a special bond with.
After graduation, Woodhead plans to pursue playing adaptive sports for as long as possible and continually advocate for them along the way.
With the recreational therapy degree she will leave Clemson with, she hopes to work for or create an adaptive sports organization after college and increase adaptive collegiate athletics.
“Adaptive athletes should be treated and given the same opportunities as our able-bodied counterparts,” Woodhead said. “I want to give back to the community that has given so much to me by providing accessible recreational opportunities and resources for people with disabilities.”
In addition to these aspirations, she intends to compete at the elite or professional level.
With the passion, love and relentless pursuit that is evident within her, there is no doubt that Woodhead will be able to achieve these goals and be a voice of success in the world of adaptive sports.
