Call it a family affair between the Dowd Family and Roadrunner Athletics over the past decade. And for McKenna Dowd, who graduated Rowan College in 2019 alongside twin brother Mike Dowd, that bond is one that will last a lifetime.
Aside from McKenna and Mike graduating RCSJ, sisters Maddy and Ally also starred in the women's soccer program. Parents Hope and Mike were also fixtures at Roadrunner Athletics events in rooting on their star athletes!
McKenna continued the proud Dowd tradition by competing in three separate programs that qualified for NJCAA National Championship Tournaments while twin brother Mike earned All-American honors as a distance runner in leading the Roadrunners to consecutive Division III National crowns in men's track and field.
That is why McKenna -- now a junior at Rowan University in Glassboro, cannot imagine the pain current RCSJ sophomores have experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown affecting junior colleges across the nation.
"I loved my time at Rowan College, and Athletics made it even more special," she commented recently. "Missing out on my sophomore year would have been devastating."
The COVID-19 pandemic has also played havoc on McKenna's own personal schedule at Rowan University as she has experienced the virtual learning environment throughout the past year.
"I did take some courses online in the Fall, and now I'm taking six courses full time online -- I feel like I'm receiving more assignments than normal," McKenna noted. "Plus you just can't replace the experience of in-person classes."
In addition to competing on three teams as a Roadrunner, McKenna left a legacy by helping to start and becoming the first President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. "When we decided to launch this new advisory group we knew we needed someone who exemplied all the leadership qualities of Roadrunner Athletics and the first person that came to mind was McKenna," commented Roadrunner AD Brian Rowan. "She got us off to such a great start that the program is growing and making strides now each year. She is going to be a great future teacher and coach."
McKenna, who hopes to begin a career in teaching and coaching once she graduates RU, looks to give back to future athletes through coaching.
"Coaching will be a perfect fit for me, and I'm excited to give back to athletes in the same way I've been helped throughout my lifetime," she said.
See below for profile on McKenna Dowd.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: McKenna Dowd
Family: Twin brother Mike; siblings Maddy and Ally.
Education: RCSJ Gloucester, 2019; Associate's Degree, Health and Physical Education; graduate of Williamstown High School, 2017.
RCSJ Career: Has the distinction of competing in three NJCAA National Championship Tournaments in women's soccer, basketball, and track and field. In basketball, averaged 8.3 points and 4.4 rebounds per game while contributing 53 steals and 60 assists in 2018-19. Competed in NJCAA National Track and Field Championships with twin brother Mike in May 2018 in Utica, NY. Team leader and top player for Region XIX champion Roadrunner women's soccer team in Fall 2017.
McKenna Dowd on RCSJ Athletics career: "I am extremely thankful for Coach Cooper and Coach Smick, Coach Ruttler, and the whole track coaching staff (coach Hughes, coach Getsinger, and coach Kalnas) for helping me to become a better player and runner and always believing in me. Also a big thank you to Mr. Rowan and the whole athletic department for all of their hard work and dedication to making athletes feel welcomed and supported!"
Current: Junior, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ. Physical education major. Member of the RU Women's Basketball Team; appeared in 13 games; also played club soccer.
Click Here to read more about McKenna Dowd at Rowan University