SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - The Slippery Rock University field hockey program will honor former student-athlete Meghan "Wheels" McKinney as part of its Sept. 27 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference game against Millersville University.
The Wheels Remembrance Game will serve as a celebration of life for McKinney, who tragically passed away Sept. 29, 2015.
"Our goal is to recreate positive memories for all Meghan gave to us and remember the impact she placed on friends, family, the community and the Slippery Rock field hockey program," said SRU head coach
Missy Revesz. "Wheels' experience and history is one of the backbones to our program's philosophy. She serves as a constant reminder of why we choose to serve and play for the past, present and future of Rock Field Hockey."
Alumni, family and friends of the field hockey program are invited to attend the game, which is scheduled for a 12 p.m. start at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium.
After the game, all attendees who wish to take part are invited to join the current team and members of McKinney's family by the bench that was dedicated in McKinney's honor outside of the Field Hockey / Lacrosse Center for a group picture.
Additionally, there will be a social gathering that night for program alumni at the Slippery Rock – California (Pa.) football game. Alumni who are planning to attend are asked to RSVP by e-mailing Revesz at
melissa.revesz@sru.edu.
Affectionately known by her Slippery Rock teammates as "Wheels" thanks to the incredible work ethic she brought to practice every day, McKinney appeared in 73 games over her four-year career (2010-13) at The Rock. She still ranks ninth in program history for career games played and 17th in defensive saves.
Not only did McKinney excel on the field, she also stood out in the classroom as a four-time PSAC Scholar-Athlete and a four-time National Field Hockey Coaches Association National Academic Squad honoree.
After finishing her athletic eligibility in 2013, McKinney spent the remainder of her undergraduate career working as a student athletic trainer with Slippery Rock's football team. A native of Biglerville, Pennsylvania, McKinney graduated from Slippery Rock's athletic training program in December of 2014 and had recently begun nursing school before her death.
Julie Swiney, who was Slippery Rock's head coach from 2010-19, noted at the time of McKinney's passing just how important she was to the program.
"She was the hardest worker on and off the field and that effort inspired the entire team," said Swiney. "…Meghan was one of the most dedicated student-athletes to ever come through our program."
To stay up to date with all that happens at The Rock, follow our official Athletic Communication accounts on 'X' (formerly Twitter, @Rock_Athletics), Facebook (RockAthletics) and Instagram (RockAthletics).
