Feature Friday Series: Makenna McCloy
For this week's Feature Friday Series, we chat with freshman Makenna McCloy. McCloy is a Utah native, raised in Tooele where she attended Tooele High School.
During her high school career, she managed to get a couple top 5 finishes. At the Tooele County Invitational during her sophomore year, McCloy ran as the anchor in the 400-relay team, she completed the season with a third-place finish in the 100m, as well as a fourth-place finish in the 200m race at the 4A State Champion meet.
McCloy also lettered in soccer and recorded 34 goals in her career and led the White Buffalos to a second-round appearance at the state championships her freshman year.
McCloy is currently a psychology major at the University of Utah, and is excited for the next few years both academically and on the team. Her main athletic inspiration and support has come from her family, namely her mother, Shirley Stepan, who played basketball on The Hill during her college years. Stepan held the 1991-92 season record for most points scored, with a total of 405 points throughout 29 games, with an average of 14 points per game. Having played soccer for many years during her childhood, McCloy found a new passion in track & field, and having her mother's support and influence has helped her to develop and strengthen her talent. McCloy also loves spending time with her younger sister Tamika, and is grateful for her entire family's support, including her father Scott.
During her time at the U and on the team, McCloy wants to lower her racing times and improve as an athlete. She is most looking forward to racing with the team and bonding with teammates during meets and other events once these are permitted.
Q: What is your favorite color?
A: Pink
Q: If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
A: I would probably live somewhere in Europe
Q: Who is your biggest athletic inspiration?
A: Probably Pelé! He is a famous soccer player who is retired now
Q: What's your favorite food?
A: Sushi
Q: What's your favorite ice cream flavor?
A: Vanilla
Q: What is your favorite song/artist at the moment?
A: I absolutely love music so that is very hard for me to choose a favorite song. But my favorite artists are Post Malone, Lewis Capaldi, and Noah Kahan and throw some Bazzi in there
Q: If you had a superpower what would it be?
A: Probably the power to heal people
Q: If you could be friends with any professional athlete who would it be?
A: Neymar Jr.
Q: If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life what song would it be?
A: That is such a hard question!! I don't think I could ever listen to one song the rest of my life, but right now if I had to choose probably the song "Tommy Lee" by Tyla Ft Post Malone
Q: What is your favorite part of being at the University of Utah?
A: I absolutely love being an athlete at the U it is one of the biggest privileges I've ever received and I feel very blessed to have it
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: Glory Road
Q: What is your favorite TV show?
A: I don't watch a lot of TV, but I love Stranger things
Q: If you were stranded on an island and were able to take one person with you, who would you take?
A: Bear Grylls!
Q: What is your dream job?
A: Any Job that would give me the opportunity to help people and change their lives. I've always wanted to start a foundation for mental health, and travel the world talking to people about it and breaking the stigma
Q: What is your future profession?
A: Sports psychologist
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