ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. - McKenna Robinson has been named the second recipient of the Dr. Neal J. Johnson St. Bonaventure University Women's Soccer Scholarship. Robinson received her award from Director of Athletics Joe Manhertz at a presentation ceremony on Wednesday afternoon. 
 
In her first three years at Bonaventure, Robinson has accumulated a 3.97 GPA while studying health science. 
 
Over her years at the university, Robinson has spent time volunteering at the Pediatric Imaging Research Center for ongoing brain tumor research, the Mildred Milliman Radiation Center, and at UPMC Radiation Oncology.
 
She has also supported community events like the Special Olympics Polar Plunge and Unified Special Olympics Soccer Clinics as a member of the physical activity club. 
 
"McKenna has gone above and beyond as a teammate and in the classroom," head coach Donny George said. "Her professors and other members of the Bonaventure community have only amazing things to say about her and we are excited to award her this scholarship."
 
Robinson is finishing her degree in health sciences this spring and plans to attend physical therapy or radiation school next fall. 
 
The namesake of the scholarship, Dr. Neal Johnson, graduated from St. Bonaventure in 1973. He received an honorary doctorate in 2014 for his more than 40 years of service to the Special Olympics. 
 
The scholarship will be awarded to a senior class member of the women's soccer program who has demonstrated over their years of participation, dedication to their teammates, the team, the program and the university. Additionally, through their example and accomplishments, throughout the university community, the recipient has demonstrated their commitment to the ideals of the university and the Franciscan tradition. Academically, the recipient will have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Ideally, the recipient should be pursuing a degree in Physical Education, Sports Studies or Health Sciences. This, however, should not exclude similarly qualified team members pursuing different degrees or areas of concentration.
 
"The idea behind this scholarship was to motivate or interest underclassmen from the moment they step on campus to become involved and meet the different criteria listed. This scholarship serves as an incentive for student-athletes to get involved," Johnson said before his passing in December 2022. "It is imperative that the student-athlete selected gets the recognition they deserve, but that this doesn't happen until the completion of their senior season. This ensures that teammates stay motivated whether they have one, two, or three years left, to continue to stay involved every season to potentially earn recognition when their collegiate career is complete. When developing this, I almost wanted it to model the Ideal Bonaventure Woman Award, but have this scholarship recognize the 'Ideal Bonaventure Women's Soccer Player.'"      

Robinson has played in 61 games for the Brown and White including 42 starts while amassing over 3,300 minutes played.
 
She was also recognized as a member of the College Sports Communicators All-District Academic Team in 2023.