Full Circle Moment – Mo McKenney

When flipping through the Clemson volleyball record books, it’s virtually impossible to miss the name Coach Mo McKenney, formerly known as Moneshia Simmons. A dominant force as a collegiate player, McKenney forged a legendary career with the Tigers before returning to the program as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator—bringing her journey full circle.

McKenney grew up in Gwinnett County, Georgia. After a standout career in both volleyball and basketball at Mill Creek High School, she narrowed her college options down to just two: the University of Georgia and Clemson. For her, the choice became clear upon stepping onto Clemson’s campus for the first time.

“Growing up in Georgia, I was between Clemson and Georgia only,” McKenney said. “But the culture and staff here made me feel at home. It was an easy decision.”

Once at Clemson, McKenney didn’t just meet expectations—she shattered them. Her impact was immediate and lasting, as she racked up record-breaking stats and accolades throughout her collegiate career, which concluded in 2013. She earned AVCA All-America Honorable Mention honors, was named First Team All-ACC, and carved out a place in Clemson history as one of just five players in program history to join the elite “All-Around Club.” That distinction requires surpassing 500 kills (she tallied 1,376), 1,000 digs (1,068), and 200 blocks (338) during a career.

She is also one of only seven players in Clemson history to surpass both 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs, cementing her legacy as one of the most versatile and impactful players ever to don a Tiger uniform.

Upon her return to the program, her message to the current generation of athletes is clear and direct: “I want to bring the competitive edge back to Clemson volleyball. This is Clemson—we should strive to be elite.”

After college, McKenney played professionally in the Swedish Volleyball League during the 2015–16 season. There, she was named the league’s top outside hitter and second-best overall hitter, proving she could thrive at the international level.

Beyond volleyball, McKenney also gained valuable life experience abroad. While in Sweden, she worked as a third-grade teaching assistant—a role that shaped her coaching approach.

“Helping those kids learn was a great experience,” she said. “It was really unique for both sides. Me, coming from America, helping these kids learn math the way I learned it—it helped me develop more patience and creativity, both of which are crucial in coaching.”

Her coaching journey since then has been equally impressive as her playing career. McKenney held various roles across the collegiate landscape, including interim head coach at East Carolina University, head indoor and beach coach at LaGrange College, and head indoor coach at Davis & Elkins College—all within a span of four years.

Still, she always kept Clemson close to her heart.

“Coming back to Clemson means the world to me,” McKenney said. “I wasn’t going to take on another coaching role like this unless it was here.”

Clemson’s head coach, Jackie Simpson Kirr, praised McKenney’s return. “Her storied playing career, both here and professionally, combined with her recruiting vision and passion for our program’s legacy, makes her perfect to help us build toward the future.”

McKenney fully embraces the program’s core values of Gratitude, Grit, and Grace and plans to add her own focus on competition and commitment.

“We want committed, team-oriented people,” she said. “Culture is everything. We’re building something that goes beyond the court.”

Besides coaching and recruiting, McKenney plays a vital role in expanding the ACEs Club, the team’s booster and engagement initiative, and strengthening alumni involvement through IPTAY. Her goal is to connect past, present, and future Clemson volleyball generations.

“Alumni inclusion is very important,” she emphasized. “Without them, the program wouldn’t have the success it does today. Their legacy is part of our foundation.”

McKenney remains a humble leader and motivator, reminding her players that records are meant to be broken.

“I tell the girls, there’s no reason you can’t break these records,” she said with a smile. “If we play to our strengths and stay locked in, we can set new standards for the program.”

She is passionate about helping players grow—not just as athletes, but as people. One of her biggest pieces of advice is to build lasting relationships.

“If I could tell my freshman self one thing, it would be to network more,” she said. “I tell the girls now—make connections, build relationships. Volleyball isn’t forever, but these relationships can be.”

As Clemson Volleyball moves into a new era, McKenney’s presence brings credibility and energy. With McKenney now on the sidelines helping shape the program’s future, there’s renewed optimism that Clemson can return to winning ways. Already in 2025, Clemson has started 3-0 for the first time since 2022 and defeated in-state rival South Carolina in Columbia for the first time since 1994.

While success will be measured on the court, McKenney’s return represents something deeper, a homegrown legend now guiding the next generation.