Destiny McKenzie is an outside hitter for the Leopards' volleyball team, majoring in computer science. She began playing volleyball around the age of 11, developing a strong foundation early on. McKenzie grew up in Fairburn, Ga., a city of about 16,000 people located just 20 miles south of Atlanta. Now in her second year wearing Maroon and White, she brings her small‑town charm and pride to College Hill.

During her freshman season, McKenzie made 10 starts and earned Patriot League weekly honors after a standout weekend in which she recorded nine kills, five digs and three blocks in a match. That same year, she was recognized on the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll. Over her collegiate career so far, she has tallied 217 kills, 14 assists, 71 total block points, and 24 service aces.

Off the court, McKenzie enjoys spending time with family and friends while staying focused on her future and personal goals.

Notably, she is from a small town known for numerous celebrity and professional athlete estates due to its proximity to Atlanta. She graduated from the same high school as Andrew Cathy, CEO of Chick‑fil‑A. 

Coaching & Mentorship

Who has been your biggest mentor outside of volleyball?
My mother, she's been through so many ups and downs that it's hard not to go to her for some advice or just to talk about all that's going on in my life. Because I know that she has handled everything thrown at her with grace and will give me advice that will allow me the chance to apply grace in situations when they arise.

What's the best piece of advice you've received from a coach?
"Remember to trust the process; the results will come."

How would your coaches and teammates describe you in one word?
Selfless 

 

When did you first start playing volleyball?
Sixth grade



On College Hill 

What was your very first interaction with the team like?
It was on my visit to Lafayette that I saw how welcoming and invested everyone was in who I was, not just how good I was when it came to volleyball. I actually committed during that visit.

What made you choose Lafayette, and what stood out to you on your first visit to campus?
The atmosphere on campus definitely stood out the most to me. Lafayette has an air about the place that other schools don't have. The community of faculty, staff, students etc.

What part of your game are you most focused on improving right now?
Offensive game so I can score more points for my team.

Do you have any pre-game routines or rituals you always stick to?
I type out a prayer the night before match day because there are so many thoughts bouncing around my head on game day that I feel like my prayer would lose the plot, so I write my prayer the night before. I read it over on the day of the match right before we went out to warm up to remind myself why I play and who I play for. Then I play the same two gospel songs: "It's Working" and "Victory before I shuffle the rest of my pre-game playlist.

If volleyball became a video game, what style or existing game would you model it after?
Rocket League because it's fast-paced with power-ups and super cool animations. Players could spike with flaming balls, dive with turbo boosts, and unlock super serve modes.

If you could travel anywhere for a tournament, where would you want to go?
Hawaii. I don't think I could last that long on a plane for a flight to Europe. Hawaii has perfect weather, perfect beaches, the food is amazing, and I could wear flip-flops to and from games."

Southern Roots

Fairburn, Georgia: what's one thing your hometown is known for?
Renaissance Festival.

As a computer science major, what interests you most about the field, and how do you picture your future career?
What interests me the most about the computer science field is the ability to analyze anything given to you and create solutions based on the problem and the needs called for. I want to be a data analyst, which relies on both computer science and data science.

What's your favorite childhood memory?
When my family and I used to live in our old house, my brother and I had rooms across the hall from one another, and our parents would always go to his room first to tuck him in. I think I was 9 or 10 at the time. I decided to join them in tucking in my brother for bed, so I went in there first and picked out a book for us to read together before my parents got there. When my brother and I finished the book, our parents walked in and saw us. Our mother taught us this prayer that we say every night before we go to bed, so we all (my father, mother, brother, and I) ended up sitting on my brother's bed and saying the prayer to tuck him in.

Off the Field Faves

Is there a song that absolutely has to be played before every game?
Ready '24 – J. Cole.

When you're not studying or training, how do you usually spend your free time?
Reading for the most part, whether it be on my phone or an actual physical copy.

Who's the funniest person in the locker room?
Hannah Ehrich-Pollock

What's your favorite meal in Easton, and where's it from?
The ramen in Easton has to be top-tier. I either get it from the Easton Public Market or Takki Ramen.

What's your favorite place on campus to relax or reset?
The quad.

What's one class outside your major that you've really enjoyed?
Stats 

What's a skill you have that has nothing to do with sports?
Graphic designing 
 

Quick Hits

If you could have any superpower on the court, what would it be?
"Mind reading. So I can know what a player is going to do before they even do it, or so I could know what the opposing team's coach has said the game plan is against us."

If you could pick any cartoon character to be your teammate, who are you choosing?
She-Ra (the original) 

If you weren't playing volleyball, what sport do you think you'd be competing in?
Pro weightlifting. It just sounds so fun and I don't have to do that much running.

Who's an athlete, any sport, that inspires your mindset or work ethic?
Jon Jones. He's a powerhouse mixed martial artist, and when I used to watch him fight in the UFC, I was blown away by the sheer amount of work that he puts in. You never hear him complain.