Boston College Athletics
Q & A With McKenzie Meehan
August 16, 2016 | Women's Soccer
Graduate senior McKenzie Meehan is entering her fifth season at Boston College. It's been a roller-coaster ride for the Eagles high-scoring forward. Meehan was the second-leading scorer as a rookie in 2012 with nine goals and an assist for 19 points. As a sophomore she led the team in scoring (20 goals, one assist, 41 points) and was named an All-ACC second team honoree. Prior to the 2014 season, Meehan was home and a freak accident occurred which caused her to miss the season with an Achilles injury. The Rhode Island native proved to the soccer community she was still one of the most dangerous offensive players in the game in 2015 as she led the ACC in goals scored (17) during the regular season. Meehan became the all-time leader in goals scored last year and now has 46 career goals. She is closing in on the record for most career points and game-winning goals. A 2016 graduate, Meehan returns for her final season at The Heights with more to prove.
Obviously, you had a successful return to the game last season but prior to taking the field was there any hesitation or fear?
MM – I think naturally I was a bit hesitant that it would take time to get my speed and strength back, but once the season began and I was on the field playing again. I was confident in my return from injury.
What helped you get through the tough times during rehab?
MM – I think being able to constantly see progress throughout my rehab was encouraging. In addition, I was very grateful to have very supportive teammates, coaches, friends and family to keep me positive.
How hard was it to sit and watch while your friends and those you entered BC with were on the field?
MM – It was difficult to not be able to play, but once I was able to accept the fact that I would be redshirting that season, I tried to focus on supporting and encouraging my teammates to help in any way that I could.
Did you do anything different this summer to prepare for the upcoming season?
MM – I trained with the Boston Breakers and worked out at school with our trainer and other teammates while taking a summer class. I was also fortunate to travel to England with the U-23 National team to play in the Nordic Cup. I felt much more prepared for this season in comparison to last year when I was still recovering from my injury.
How has preseason training gone?
MM – Preseason training went very well, as everyone came in prepared and ready to work hard. We played well in our scrimmage against UConn with a 3-2 win, though UConn also presented some challenges that we can improve upon before our first game against Providence.
Last year the offensive revolved around you and Hayley Dowd. Do you both have to get that chemistry back and do you see a more potent offense with the addition of new players?
MM – I think we will continue to work very well together, as we played together often this summer. I also think several other players will be great contributors and make our offense more dynamic and dangerous as a whole.
The team received votes in the first poll. How important are the rankings to the team this early?
MM – As great of an honor as it is to receive votes or to be ranked, it is still very early in the season and no games have been played yet. We are motivated to make a statement this season, and we hope that other teams and coaches will recognize our talent by ranking us. However, the rankings are subjective and we are more concerned about getting results in our games.
It's early but do you see a younger player that is quickly developing and will have a positive impact on the season?
MM – I think there are several freshmen, including Jenna Bike, Jade Ruiters and Sam Hiatt among others, that are ready to contribute to our team's success this season. It is great to have such a solid group of freshmen that bring youthful energy to the team. I can see the freshman having a great impact throughout their careers here.
What has been a soccer highlight in your career at The Heights?
MM – One of my favorite memories was beating undefeated Florida State 3-2 at home my freshman year. The other was beating Nebraska and Illinois to go to the Elite Eight my sophomore year.
You already have a degree and you are working on your master's. What are your plans after graduation?
MM – I am graduating with my MBA in December and I am still considering my plans after graduation. I am thinking about entering the NWSL draft and continuing with soccer, or eventually pursuing a career in business.
The Eagles will open up the 2015 season on the road Friday, August 19 at Providence ( 7 p.m.). The home opener will take place on Sunday, August 21 as the Eagles host Arizona State at 1 p.m. at the Newton Soccer Field.
Obviously, you had a successful return to the game last season but prior to taking the field was there any hesitation or fear?
MM – I think naturally I was a bit hesitant that it would take time to get my speed and strength back, but once the season began and I was on the field playing again. I was confident in my return from injury.
What helped you get through the tough times during rehab?
MM – I think being able to constantly see progress throughout my rehab was encouraging. In addition, I was very grateful to have very supportive teammates, coaches, friends and family to keep me positive.
How hard was it to sit and watch while your friends and those you entered BC with were on the field?
MM – It was difficult to not be able to play, but once I was able to accept the fact that I would be redshirting that season, I tried to focus on supporting and encouraging my teammates to help in any way that I could.
Did you do anything different this summer to prepare for the upcoming season?
MM – I trained with the Boston Breakers and worked out at school with our trainer and other teammates while taking a summer class. I was also fortunate to travel to England with the U-23 National team to play in the Nordic Cup. I felt much more prepared for this season in comparison to last year when I was still recovering from my injury.
How has preseason training gone?
MM – Preseason training went very well, as everyone came in prepared and ready to work hard. We played well in our scrimmage against UConn with a 3-2 win, though UConn also presented some challenges that we can improve upon before our first game against Providence.
Last year the offensive revolved around you and Hayley Dowd. Do you both have to get that chemistry back and do you see a more potent offense with the addition of new players?
MM – I think we will continue to work very well together, as we played together often this summer. I also think several other players will be great contributors and make our offense more dynamic and dangerous as a whole.
The team received votes in the first poll. How important are the rankings to the team this early?
MM – As great of an honor as it is to receive votes or to be ranked, it is still very early in the season and no games have been played yet. We are motivated to make a statement this season, and we hope that other teams and coaches will recognize our talent by ranking us. However, the rankings are subjective and we are more concerned about getting results in our games.
It's early but do you see a younger player that is quickly developing and will have a positive impact on the season?
MM – I think there are several freshmen, including Jenna Bike, Jade Ruiters and Sam Hiatt among others, that are ready to contribute to our team's success this season. It is great to have such a solid group of freshmen that bring youthful energy to the team. I can see the freshman having a great impact throughout their careers here.
What has been a soccer highlight in your career at The Heights?
MM – One of my favorite memories was beating undefeated Florida State 3-2 at home my freshman year. The other was beating Nebraska and Illinois to go to the Elite Eight my sophomore year.
You already have a degree and you are working on your master's. What are your plans after graduation?
MM – I am graduating with my MBA in December and I am still considering my plans after graduation. I am thinking about entering the NWSL draft and continuing with soccer, or eventually pursuing a career in business.
The Eagles will open up the 2015 season on the road Friday, August 19 at Providence ( 7 p.m.). The home opener will take place on Sunday, August 21 as the Eagles host Arizona State at 1 p.m. at the Newton Soccer Field.
Players Mentioned
F
/ Women's Soccer
F
/ Women's Soccer
F
/ Women's Soccer
M
/ Women's SoccerPlaying with the Revs, 40-yard Strike, Journey to BC | The Podcast For Boston: BC Soccer
Wednesday, February 04
Women's Soccer: FDU Recap
Monday, August 18
Women's Soccer: Pink Card Match Promo (Sept. 27, 2022)
Tuesday, September 27
Women's Soccer: BC Sports Today w/ Jason Lowe, Sam Smith, and Sydney Moore (Sept. 15, 2022)
Thursday, September 15
