The outdoors has always been a formative part of junior McKenna Thomas’ life. Ever since she was a kid, she’s always felt at home when in nature. However, when she joined a club volleyball team at age 12, she found another home on the court. 

  “I like how intense the game is and how you’re always doing something,” said Thomas.  

  One aspect about volleyball that Thomas loves is the sense of teamwork. Thomas believes that being able to rely on each other is imperative for any team, whether it’s a six person team for indoor volleyball or a two person team for beach. Even though beach volleyball requires a more versatile skill set, Thomas love the challenge. 

  “I like beach better because it’s two people instead of six, so you have to do [almost] completely everything, like you have to be able to pass, hit, set,” Thomas said. 

  Thomas also loves the setting of beach volleyball because it allows her to connect with her love for the outdoors, something she owes a lot to her parents. Thomas’ dad brought her into volleyball at a young age because he grew up playing it. Thomas remembers all the times she played volleyball at the beach with her dad.   

  “In my life, I feel like both my parents [have] raised me to be the best person I can be,” Thomas said. “They definitely raised me to be an active person, which I’m so grateful for because that’s definitely shaped like who I am as a person. They gave me so many opportunities.” 

  Thomas verbally committed to Pepperdine University for beach volleyball her freshman year. Once she started the recruitment process, she knew Pepperdine was the college for her. Even though she already has a college lined up, Thomas doesn’t take her early verbal commitment as a chance to slack off. 

  “Yes, you don’t have to stress about committing, but at least for me, I want to be the best that I can be before I even get there so I can be even better,” Thomas said. “I don’t want to relax.” 

  When she’s not playing volleyball or juggling school work, Thomas loves outside activities. From hiking to swimming to rock climbing, Thomas loves to try to new things. Before volleyball, Thomas spent six years ski racing at Big Bear Mountain. Big Bear used to be a very formative part of her family’s life.  

  “I love being outside and doing whatever’s possible,” Thomas said. 

  When recently asked to find an inspiring quote for volleyball, Thomas chose, “Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally. It comes from what you do consistently” (Marie Forleo). 

  With a competitive nature, Thomas values fidelity, focus, and respect. She always puts one foot in front of the other, improving herself and reaching her goals. 

  “I know that I personally want to strive to be the best that I can be,” Thomas said.