Kelly McMahon

Nickname: "Tonka"
Height/Weight: 5'4" 170 lbs.
Age: 31
Birthplace: Southfield, Michigan
Current Team: New York Rugby Club
Position: Flanker
Past Teams: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Club
Rugby Honors Earned:
      US National Team 03-07
International Caps: 9
College: University of Michigan (BBA 1996),
      Columbia University, Teacher's College (MA 2000),
      New York University (MA 2005)
Years playing rugby: 11
Occupation: Teacher
Favorite Pre-Game Music: "Pat Benetar, Dispatch, Neil Diamond"

Get to Know "Tonka"

How did you get involved in rugby?
"After playing basketball, volleyball, and softball from ages 7-17, I was lost without sports in college and found the rugby team at Festi-fall at the University of Michigan. I went to one practice and even though I couldn't get up off my dorm room floor for hours afterwards, I knew I had found my favorite sport. "

Other interests:
"Reading, debating, and eating cake."

If I had a million dollars I would ...
"Train full-time and lead a life of leisure."

Favorite rugby memory:
"When the whistle blew in Providence, Rhode Island and they heard it in Barcelona, Spain."

Rugby mentors/inspirations:
"I think injury has been an interesting mentor. Some of the people that I played with first helped me to build a strong rugby foundation; they include: Flan, Erica, KT Page, Rachel, and Juliet. I consider myself very foturnate to have had the chance to play with Dianne Schnapp, Lisa Rowe, Alex Williams, Jess Olive, and Jen Crouse; they taught me that the best players are those that make the people around them better. Hedwig Aerts taught me about leadership and Mike Luke taught me to see rugby, and life, as thinker. "

Favorite Motto/Saying:
"You get to decide how you will be remembered." - Mike Luke