LebCo Athlete of the Week: McKenna Kantner (Week ending 10/5)

During the week of September 29th, New Covenant’s McKenna Kantner continued to shine in her debut varsity season. Over four matches, the talented freshman midfielder tallied four goals and three assists, helping the Flames to wins over York Country Day, York Christian, and Mount Calvary. Her consistent impact and composure beyond her years earned her recognition as the LebCoSports.com Athlete of the Week.

Kantner’s calm, methodical style has stood out all season, drawing praise from her coach — and uncle — Cody Kantner. “McKenna is my niece, and I am very happy to be coaching her,” he said. “Terms like methodical, all business, stoic, focused, and calculating describe how McKenna plays.”

He went on to explain that her steady approach sets the tone for her teammates. “One of my favorite movies is Cool Hand Luke; well, on our team we have Cool Hand McKenna, because she is poised and cool when she plays,” Coach Kantner added. “She takes on tasks like marking players, distributing the ball in transition, and helping secure the defense. She’s a top contributor of goals and assists — but also does the little things that don’t always show up on the stat sheet.”

Behind that calm exterior, however, is a fierce competitor. “Underneath her cool exterior is a passion to play hard and win,” he said. “She has the eye of the tiger — that fierce, burning passion to win — and in her drive to do so, she elevates her teammates and pushes them to play harder.”

Despite being just a freshman, McKenna has already embraced a leadership mindset and is driven by clear goals. “I would like to contribute to my team by helping them make it back to the CCAC Championship,” she said. “I would also like to go further in Districts this year.”

She credits her teammates, especially senior Lily Rohrer and sophomore Laney Zimmerman, for their guidance and encouragement. “Lily has made hard days fun and pushed me to do my best,” McKenna said. “She’s been a mentor to me throughout the season and someone I look up to — not only for the way she plays but for her Christ-like character on and off the field.”

A multi-sport athlete, McKenna also competes in basketball and track and field, and she already has a championship pedigree — helping lead her middle school basketball team to a CCAC West Conference title. Looking ahead, she hopes to play college basketball and pursue a career in the sports industry, while continuing to grow “as an athlete and a Child of God.”

Her drive and talent are part of a strong athletic lineage, as her father once set a sprint medley relay record at Lebanon Valley College. When she’s not training, McKenna enjoys spending time with family, relaxing at home, and watching Dance Moms. For her, sports are about more than competition — they’re about “the great memories, friendships, and opportunities that come along the way.”

Now sitting at 12–4–1, the Flames are preparing for the CCAC Playoffs before turning their attention to the District 3 Class A postseason, where they’ll enter as the No. 2 seed. McKenna will be a key piece of their continued pursuit of championship success.

Congratulations to McKenna and best of luck to her and the Flames as they look to keep their season burning bright with a lengthy postseason run.