Eclipse Select Soccer Club defender Fiona McKenna has had quite a bit on her plate in both athletics and academics. The Hinsdale Central High School junior will continue to do so in college as she has made her verbal commitment to play for Princeton's women's soccer team, as well as its hockey team.

"I'm really excited," McKenna said. "All of the hard work has paid off."

McKenna will play soccer in the fall and hockey in the winter. And it was a former Eclipse Select player who got her to thinking that a two-sport Ivy League path could be possible.

"From the beginning I knew I wanted to go Ivy League because they have the best academics," McKenna said. "Crysti Howser (a Wilmette native and New Trier graduate) played for Eclipse six or seven years ago, and she played both sports at Yale. I heard about it from family and friends and I was inspired."

McKenna has been with Eclipse Select since the U-13 level, and she has played hockey for the Chicago Mission since U-14. There have been a few nuances that have helped McKenna in the regular crossover between soccer and hockey.

"Endurance-wise I run a lot in soccer, and to transfer from soccer it helps with my stamina in skating," McKenna said. "I don't think in the game specifically there are big similarities because they're obviously completely different sports. But it helps with my coordination."

McKenna has always been an offensive-minded player for both sports. With Eclipse Select, McKenna transitioned into a defensive role, playing both outside back and center back.

"A while back in Eclipse, someone got hurt and I got moved back to defense," McKenna said. "I like the club because the outside backs move up like midfielders. So it wasn't that hard to make the switch. I got right into it when we focused on shaping the back line."

McKenna is not sure where she will be playing defensively within Princeton head coach Julie Shackford's soccer team. Princeton's defense has been pretty steady, but the offense has had some shortcomings.

"They did have a problem with finishing, but there were not that many goals against them," McKenna said. "They are a strong defensive program, so I'm excited about that. Julie wants her players to battle and try hard to compete no matter what. She has that instinct and wants to win."

McKenna is currently playing for Eclipse Select's U-17 Elite Clubs National League team.

"Overall it has been a great experience," McKenna said. "Our teammates, we're all like family and we've been through a lot. The corps of our team has stayed together, and we practice together and are best friends. It's a special team."

As for McKenna's continued journey when she moves to the collegiate ranks, she says she has learned some valuable lessons along the way at Eclipse Select that she will take on to Princeton and beyond.

"Off the field and on the field, they have taught the life lesson to never give up and to have that strong mentality," McKenna said. "Also on the field and off the field, you will need your teammates when you get older. They will help you along the way."

FIONA MCKENNA
Position: Defender
Hometown: Hinsdale, Ill.
High School: Hinsdale Central High School
Height: 5-8
Born: 6/1/1995