Kiwi taking a break from Representative Water polo to sore for the Hawks.

By Michaela Davies- ONEONTA, NY

McKenty is a second year scholar athlete representing Hartwick in Division I Water polo. Coming from halfway across the world, she put representative water polo on holt in order to further her education whilst still managing to play the sport she loves at a competitive level. For this Hartwick star, Water polo has been a huge part of her life growing up. “For as long as I can remember I’ve either been at a pool, travelling around the world or meeting amazing new people.” Starting off as a young quick swimmer looking to become a part of a team, Water polo was introduced by her primary school back in New Zealand and further pursued when her mum took her to her first trial as an under 12. In 2010 she made her first New Zealand representative team as a 14 year old in an under 15 age group and hasn’t looked back since. She has gone on to represent her country on multiple occasions, A test series against Australia and Canada held in New Zealand in 2011, Her first Junior World championships in 2014 held in Madrid, Spain and most recently travelled to Volos Greece to compete in the Junior World Championships where she co-captained her team to 7th place.

McKenty went viral after the Greek Water polo organisation gave her team the wrong flag for the opening ceremony at Junior World Championships in Volos 2015.
Photo by: FIND OUT (c) 

In 2013 she graduated from Takapuna Grammar School and was recruited to play as a Hawk simultaneously. She arrived at Hartwick as an eager freshman awaiting the beginning of her first season not knowing what to expect in terms of the differences in play and coaching. “I was pretty nervous but I think my excitement made me forget that.” McKenty said. Since then McKenty has become a vital part of the Hartwick Hawks team, last year starting 28 of the 39 games whilst recording the third highest amount of points with 96 points. These points reflected her 48 goals scored, a matching 48 assists, 56 steals and 41 kickouts drawn. Just over half way through this years season (2015/16) McKenty has recorded 76 points with 31 goals, 41 assists and 35 steals ranking her second in the team. “She’s a great player with a lot of potential.” Assistant coach Ashley Huckins said. An opinion shared amongst her teammates.

“I can’t wait to play the next two seasons with her. She Helps me with everything I’m doing in and out of the pool.” Freshman, Sabrina Hartwell said.

McKenty on team trip to Greece Spring Break 2016
Photo by: Charlotte Cottle 2016 (c)

Along with Water polo McKenty studies hard and works to ensure she maintains good grades. Currently sitting on the dean’s list for the second time, the Geology major says being an athlete can sometimes make it difficult for her but it makes her a more organized student in the long run.
“Water polo has provided me with the structure to get all my work done a week earlier despite many difficulties.” With the end of her second season nearing, she hopes to make the NCAA playoffs but most importantly enjoy the last couple of weeks she has left with the team she loves before a number of seniors graduate. “I am just looking forward to spending as much time as I can with the team outside of water polo. We wont know what to do with ourselves.”

McKenty pre-shot
Photo By: Gerry Raymonda 2016 (c)

Members of the Hartwick Water polo team joke around at last home tournament for 2016
Photo By: Charlotte Cottle 2016 (c)