By: Thomas Menke
Jacksonville, Ill. - "McKee for Three," a popular phrase that has emerged on the Hilltop in the past three years.
The senior guard from Edwardsville, Illinois, is averaging a team-high 10.9 points and two steals per game. With the season in its early stages, Anna McKee is optimistic about the Lady Blues making her senior year a memorable one.
"Although our record does not show it right now, I think our team has the potential to be something special this year. Our team is young, with over half of us being first years, and we're still growing as a collective and working to put pieces together. We thrive off defensive intensity, capitalizing on quick steals in our press that lead to quick transition buckets. Our half-court defense is also solid, where our quick guards and on-ball defense can frazzle teams' offenses," McKee said.
Before her impressive career at Illinois College, McKee found her love for basketball from the encouragement of her parents.
"My parents encouraged my siblings and I to be as involved as possible, and this included joining any sports team we wanted. I tested out playing soccer, gymnastics, volleyball, dance, and softball, but none could compare to the love I had for basketball," McKee said.
She began her journey like most children, playing in the YMCA league, but McKee had the privilege of being coached by her dad. Her love for the game continued to expand with the opportunity to spend free time shooting around, talking basketball, and growing as a person with her dad.
"My dad and I would talk basketball all the time. He taught me everything I know and developed a highly competitive nature in everything I do. Basketball is where we grew closest, as he was always the parent taking me to my club tournaments. My dad has made me into the player I am today, teaching me the importance of leaving all you have on the court and playing for something/someone greater than yourself," McKee said.
Although the team captain has impressed the YMCA and IC community with her on-court performances, she has proved to be much more than the game of basketball. During her limited free time, McKee enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies, exercising, cooking & baking, and going to concerts with her sister. One hobby that most people don't know about is her secret social media career.
"I am a master vlogger and love to make and edit videos with my friends and family! In my past life, I was a social media influencer and dedicated my time to tasting and reviewing all the weird snacks in Home Goods," McKee said.
When Anna isn't channeling her inner Guy Fieri by sampling various snacks, she's busy creating slime.
"Based on a slight obsession I had in middle school; I have perfected the craft of making the perfect slime. Also, for a while, I begged my mom to let me open an Etsy to sell my slime, but she did not believe in my entrepreneurial endeavors as a young 10-year-old," McKee said.
To add to her loud personality, McKee has a dream goal of traveling to all the U.S. states and visiting each U.S. national park. While McKee may be seen smiling all over campus, she has overcome challenges that have shaped her into the person she is today.
"I only had a three-week-long senior basketball season. I was on the fence about whether or not to stay home and attend school at SIUE or continue my basketball career at IC. After my last game, however, I knew my basketball journey was not over. I have had such an amazing experience at IC that I would not trade for anything, making so many connections and memories that I will never forget. Looking back, I am so thankful I had this experience because I truly am not sure if I would have decided to continue with basketball had I not had only 3 weeks of a season my senior year," McKee said.
The decision she made three years ago has enabled her to represent IC with remarkable distinction.
"Representing IC means exhibiting a student-athlete coming from a school that truly wants to see you succeed. At Illinois College, you feel welcomed and included right from the beginning. Professors, pro staff, and the majority of the campus community know you by name, care about your story, and want to be a part of your professional, athletic, and personal growth. IC is invested in the betterment of each student, ensuring support in all aspects of life and preparing students for life out of college," McKee said.
Q&A With Anna McKee
1. Favorite restaurant in Jacksonville? Soap Co
2. Favorite place to study on campus? The Library
3. Describe the IC community in one sentence. IC is a community dedicated to your holistic well-being, supporting your academic, professional, and personal growth.
4. What are you involved in here at IC? Clubs, events, activities, etc. Women's basketball, Student Marshal, CSEIB Student Director, Honors Program President, Identity Campus Ministry President, Member of FCA
5. How easy is it to build a relationship with professors here at IC? So stinkin 'easy! I am best friends with all of my professors. It is so nice that the class sizes are so small because professors know you by name and actually care about who you are as a person. They, along with other staff at IC, want to see you succeed and will reach out if they see you struggling or needing extra assistance. They are also super flexible about things like athletic schedules and life outside of the classroom.
Thomas Menke is a senior on the men's soccer team who is majoring in Sports Management and Communication.
