Dawn McKenzie
Name/nickname: Dawn McKenzie
Position: flanker, lock
Hometown: O'Fallon, IL
How I got into rugby: I was a naive freshman at Southern Illinois University and was looking to stay active in sports since my HS sports days were over. Met some girls recruiting at the Rec Center and I went out to a practice. I was hooked!
Teams played for: SIU, Illinois U23, Midwest U23, St. Louis Sabers, CARFU Women, Chicago North Shire
Fun fact: I once ran into Sheryl Crow in Miami, like physically ran into her and knocked her over. I helped her up and asked her if I knew her from somewhere because she looked familiar. She laughed and said maybe. My coworker then told me who she was. I knew who she was before, just didn't put it together as I was helping her off the ground.
Favorite quote: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.
In real life...I currently work for an experiential marketing firm. For my client, I oversee a mobile tour that travels the country doing free health screenings for underprivileged communities
One thing I love about rugby is...besides the physical challenge of the sport, I love the team camaraderie. There are so many different roles and challenges on the field that you have to work together and learn each other's strengths and weaknesses and have trust. The people I play rugby with are always my closer friends and always know how to have a good time.