Throughout the summer, DartmouthSports.com will be focusing on members of the Class of 2020 who are currently in their "Sophomore Summers."
This installment features Annie McKenna of the women's basketball team. A guard from Illinois, McKenna appeared in 20 games throughout the 2017-18 season. She averaged 3.1 points per game and was second on the team in three-point shooting percentage (.414). Against Penn, she led the team in scoring with nine points and was tied for most assists.
DartmouthSports: What have you been doing during your sophomore summer?
Annie McKenna: I've been trying to take advantage of all the things I usually wouldn't have much time to do during the school year such as hiking, swimming in the river and really getting to know the sophomore class.
DS: What is your favorite place on campus?
AM: My favorite place on campus is probably the river – especially Mink Brook – or the Tower Room.
DS: What was the recruiting process that sold you on Dartmouth?
AM: Aside from the beautiful campus and the great academics, it was definitely the people that sold me on Dartmouth. On my official visit, I could tell everyone I met was very genuine and sincere through their words and actions.
DS: If you could play another sport at Dartmouth, what would it be and why?
AM: If I could play another sport at Dartmouth, it would be soccer. I played soccer all throughout high school, along with basketball, and always found it to be a super fun sport.
DS: Other than your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life?
AM: I would say my siblings have the greatest influence on my life. Being the youngest of five, I've been able to learn and grow from them. It was a lot of fun growing up because I was fortunate enough to play with and against them. They're all pretty athletic and competitive, so we would always practice in the backyard.
DS: Do you have a nickname on your team? Who gave it to you and why?
AM: My nickname is Mac. It was hard to decipher between Andi and Fanni [former guard Fanni Szabo '17] on the court, so Coach Taj gave me the nickname. She usually finds a nickname to give everyone on the team.
DS: How is Hanover different or similar to where you grew up?
AM: I grew up in Elmwood Park, Illinois, a suburb right outside Chicago, so Hanover is definitely very different. However, I love every bit of the small town aspect. Hanover gives me the opportunity to do things I wouldn't be able to do in a city.
DS: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?
AM: I would probably go to Greece or somewhere in Europe because it's so easy to travel throughout Europe. After studying abroad in Barcelona, I realized that there is so much more to be seen.
DS: What would be your best advice to your 15-year-old self?
AM: It would be to not worry so much and cherish all the small moments. In the end, everything will work out, so have fun with it.
DS: What are your post-Dartmouth plans?
AM: As of right now, I honestly have no clue. However, I am very excited to see what the future has in store. I would love to stay out on the East Coast for a couple of years before I return to Chicago.