Northwestern State University of Louisana

Tara McKenney finished her third season as a volunteer assistant the Northwestern State softball staff after starting for the Lady Demons each of her four seasons (2011-14).
 
McKenney fired up players with her youthful presence as NSU reached its fifth Southland Conference Tournament in the last six seasons.
 
She works in marketing at the local Bank of Montgomery but manages to attend practices and games.
 
McKenney, mostly an infielder but filled in as an outfielder, dots the NSU record books.
 
The Red Oak, Texas, native finished her career third NSU’s all-time career list in runs scored (133), hits (246), triples (14) and fourth in assists (332).
 
McKenney led NSU in hitting the last two seasons, including a .392 average as a senior, which ranks fourth all-time for single-season marks.
 
She was named All-Southland Conference second team and All-SLC tournament in her last two seasons.
 
McKenney added to that list as a senior with All-Region and All-Louisiana honors.
 
McKenney was a key piece in the foundation of Northwestern State’s recent success.
 
The four-year starter was a member of NSU’s NCAA Tournament teams in 2013 and 2014 after helping coach Donald Pickett to his first winning season at NSU in 2011 with a 32-25 record in her freshman season. 
 
One of McKenney’s finest moments came in the SLC Tournament championship game against McNeese State in which she batted 4-for-4, scoring four runs and driving in another to send the Lady Demons to their second straight NCAA Tournament.