Completed Event: Field Hockey at Vermont on October 19, 2025 , Loss , 0, to, 4
Final
Field Hockey
at Vermont
0
4
Athlete Awards
3
Mekkena Boyd
- Award:
- Athletes of the Week
- Week:
- 7/6/2022
- Sport:
- Women's Basketball
- Bio:
- View Full Bio
Throughout the summer, DartmouthSports.com will be focusing on members of the Class of 2024 who are currently in their "Sophomore Summers" presented by the Norwich Inn.
This installment focuses on Mekkena Boyd of the Dartmouth women's basketball team. A native of Williston, Vermont, Boyd led the Big Green in games started (25), assists (39), steals (36) and minutes played (24.2 per game) during her sophomore campaign.
DartmouthSports.com: What have you been doing during your sophomore summer?
Mekkena Boyd: During my summer here at Dartmouth, I work out early in the day with the other teammates in my class and attend 1-2 classes per day. I am also participating in the DRIVE leadership program and lastly, I recently joined Sheba, a dance group on campus, which I am thrilled to be doing.
DS: What is your favorite place on campus?
MB: My favorite place on campus is the green. I love spending time there with my friends and teammates. We like to get sushi and hang out in the sun or play spike ball. It's one of my favorite things to do on a weekend or when I need to get a little time away from schoolwork.
DS: Outside of sports, what are you most passionate about?
MB: Outside of basketball, I love to dance and bake.
DS: Other than your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life?
MB: My high school coach Ute Bowman Otley '90, who is a Dartmouth basketball alum, has made a huge impact on my life. I wouldn't be the player I am today if I didn't have her to guide me through high school and even some of middle school. She always emphasized doing the little things on and off the court, that academics are a priority even as a student-athletes and that being a good person to the people around you come first.
DS: What has been your best on-court memory thus far in your Dartmouth career?
MB: There are many memories that I am particularly fond of, but if I was to choose one it would be our first win of the season over Texas State. It was a big game for us, and we were not expected to win. But our determination and chemistry truly helped us win that game. The energy and smiles in the locker room after the game is something I will never forget.
DS: How is Hanover different or similar to where you grew up?
MB: Hanover is very similar to where I grew up. I am from the Burlington area in Vermont, so as far as the weather, the landscape, and the demographics, they are very much alike. I grew up about 10 minutes outside of Burlington so the population in the area was greater as well as the number of things to do.
DS: What show do you binge watch?
MB: Criminal Minds. Even though it is nothing similar to how behavioral analysis and profiling actually work, it is still one of my favorite shows and I am always rewatching episodes.
DS: Do you have a nickname on your team? Who gave it to you and why?
MB: I have an endless list of nicknames but one that I have is "Tenny." Co-captain Karina Mitchell gave it to me because she loves to substitute the letter T into anyone's name, and I couldn't tell you why. I find it funny, and it is something that always makes me laugh during practice.
DS: What are your post-Dartmouth plans?
MB: My plan is to become a forensic psychologist once I graduate from Dartmouth.
DS: What would be your best advice to your 15-year-old self?
MB: I would tell my 15-year-old self that anything really is possible, but that you have to earn it. I would also tell myself to set goals early on, even if they may change as I continue to grow. Growing up, I had my doubts not only about what I wanted to be but also what I could be. Being at Dartmouth and playing basketball forced me to see what I can do, and I wish that my younger self never doubted my capabilities.
This installment focuses on Mekkena Boyd of the Dartmouth women's basketball team. A native of Williston, Vermont, Boyd led the Big Green in games started (25), assists (39), steals (36) and minutes played (24.2 per game) during her sophomore campaign.
DartmouthSports.com: What have you been doing during your sophomore summer?
Mekkena Boyd: During my summer here at Dartmouth, I work out early in the day with the other teammates in my class and attend 1-2 classes per day. I am also participating in the DRIVE leadership program and lastly, I recently joined Sheba, a dance group on campus, which I am thrilled to be doing.
DS: What is your favorite place on campus?
MB: My favorite place on campus is the green. I love spending time there with my friends and teammates. We like to get sushi and hang out in the sun or play spike ball. It's one of my favorite things to do on a weekend or when I need to get a little time away from schoolwork.
DS: Outside of sports, what are you most passionate about?
MB: Outside of basketball, I love to dance and bake.
DS: Other than your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life?
MB: My high school coach Ute Bowman Otley '90, who is a Dartmouth basketball alum, has made a huge impact on my life. I wouldn't be the player I am today if I didn't have her to guide me through high school and even some of middle school. She always emphasized doing the little things on and off the court, that academics are a priority even as a student-athletes and that being a good person to the people around you come first.
DS: What has been your best on-court memory thus far in your Dartmouth career?
MB: There are many memories that I am particularly fond of, but if I was to choose one it would be our first win of the season over Texas State. It was a big game for us, and we were not expected to win. But our determination and chemistry truly helped us win that game. The energy and smiles in the locker room after the game is something I will never forget.
DS: How is Hanover different or similar to where you grew up?
MB: Hanover is very similar to where I grew up. I am from the Burlington area in Vermont, so as far as the weather, the landscape, and the demographics, they are very much alike. I grew up about 10 minutes outside of Burlington so the population in the area was greater as well as the number of things to do.
DS: What show do you binge watch?
MB: Criminal Minds. Even though it is nothing similar to how behavioral analysis and profiling actually work, it is still one of my favorite shows and I am always rewatching episodes.
DS: Do you have a nickname on your team? Who gave it to you and why?
MB: I have an endless list of nicknames but one that I have is "Tenny." Co-captain Karina Mitchell gave it to me because she loves to substitute the letter T into anyone's name, and I couldn't tell you why. I find it funny, and it is something that always makes me laugh during practice.
DS: What are your post-Dartmouth plans?
MB: My plan is to become a forensic psychologist once I graduate from Dartmouth.
DS: What would be your best advice to your 15-year-old self?
MB: I would tell my 15-year-old self that anything really is possible, but that you have to earn it. I would also tell myself to set goals early on, even if they may change as I continue to grow. Growing up, I had my doubts not only about what I wanted to be but also what I could be. Being at Dartmouth and playing basketball forced me to see what I can do, and I wish that my younger self never doubted my capabilities.
Date | Athlete | Sport |
|---|---|---|
| 10/21/2025 | Francesco Dembinski | Men's Heavyweight Rowing |
| 10/21/2025 | Lis Madigan | Women's Rowing |
| 10/14/2025 | Ola Goebel | Women's Soccer |
| 10/14/2025 | Eidur Baldvinsson | Men's Soccer |
| 10/7/2025 | Chase Decker | Sailing - Open & Women's |
| 10/7/2025 | Nadia Young | Women's Soccer |
| 9/30/2025 | Grayson Saunier | Football |
| 9/30/2025 | Sudi Zhao | Sailing - Open & Women's |
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