Maeve McKinney is a rising star in campus recreation

Maeve McKinney’s journey in campus recreation began eight years ago at the University of Maryland, College Park. She joined the campus recreation department at UMD as a freshman, officiating intramural basketball and participating in the womxn’s ultimate frisbee club. As a sophomore—with experience officiating basketball, soccer, and volleyball under her belt—she became a supervisor in the campus recreation department. She says, “Although I started college thinking I knew what I wanted to do—graduate with my bachelor’s in government and politics and then work for the federal government—I quickly lost my passion. At the same time, my passion for my work and participation in campus recreation grew.”

Maeve says, “I fell in love with the community that both my employment and participation in campus recreation gave me.” She also realized—after reflecting on the many influential figures who inspired her throughout high school and undergrad—that she wanted to be a role model for students. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics from UMD, Maeve decided to pursue a graduate assistantship at Rowan University. It was during her time at Rowan that she recognized her true passion: student development.

Maeve’s master’s thesis explored the relationship between on-campus employment and student development through an examination and comparison of student and professional staff’s perceptions. It was through this research and writing processes that her passion for student development and her desire to obtain a full-time position in student affairs was reinforced. Maeve graduated from Rowan with a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration. “After graduation,” she says, “I was fortunate to return to Maryland as a professional staff member, which has given me the opportunity to give back to the community that gave me so much as a student.” She is currently the Coordinator, Clubs Sports and Camps at the University of Maryland, College Park.

In her current role, Maeve oversees the administration of 47 club sports. “I oversee the planning and execution of club home and travel events, budgeting and fundraising to offset individual costs, officer training, any issues that may arise, and I serve as a resource that can answer their questions or—if necessary—connect them with others who can answer their questions,” she says. “I’m fortunate to not only supervise 22 student employees who recognize the program’s value to our students’ lives, but to also work directly with club leaders who want their clubs to be as successful as possible,” she adds.

“I believe our department and, furthermore, our club sports program does a fantastic job at fostering a sense of community amongst our students—both participants and employees,” says Maeve. “Within the club sports program, we have worked hard to create this community through programming, relationship building, and collaboration.” UMD requires its club sports participants to engage in community service. Maeve explains that this “not only causes clubs to give back to the community, but also builds positive team culture and relationships.” She adds, “We even make a point to learn all of our club officers’ names so that when they come into our office and are greeted, they feel welcomed and comfortable to come to us with anything.”

Maeve serves on several committees and boards across campus, including the campus recreation department’s DEI Committee and the University Honor Review Board. She’s also an active member of NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation. She’s volunteered for multiple NIRSA Championship Series regional tournaments—from flag football to basketball to soccer—served as the NIRSA Region I Student Leader, acted as the Conference Program Chair for the 2020 NIRSA Region I Conference, hosted the 2020 NIRSA Virtual Pride Social, and has presented at both the regional and national level.

More than ‘just’ campus recreation

“I love how the work we do in campus recreation is so much more than ‘just’ campus recreation,” says Maeve. “Along with all of my colleagues at Maryland and across the Association, we are so much more than our titles to our students and our campus community.” She welcomes the ability to wear many hats in her role and has found that doing so allows her to meet the differing needs of UMD’s diverse student body. “I believe working in campus recreation simultaneously provides professional staff with the opportunity to learn and reflect on our experiences from working with students while also positively impacting students’ lives and wellness,” she explains.

“What I value most from my membership in NIRSA is the people and the relationships I have built,” says Maeve. “At my first regional conference, I remember how everyone kept referring to the NIRSA family, but I was skeptical until I got more involved in the Association and realized just how much of a family NIRSA truly is. The relationships I have with my colleagues in NIRSA are similar to the ones I have with my lifelong friends­; I may not see or hear from them all the time, but when I do, it’s like nothing has changed and we can pick up where we left off. Every NIRSA member I have interacted with is more than willing to connect, learn about you and your goals, and help you in whatever way they can.”

Maeve has been fortunate in the many fantastic mentors who have been a part of her campus recreation journey. She’s had the pleasure of working with Jason Hess, Assistant Director, Intramural Sports & Reckord Armory, and Dr. Mary Kathryn Crawford, Associate Director for Programs, while both a student employee and a professional at the University of Maryland. She calls Andrew Havrisko, Assistant Director of Intramural Sports & Special Events at Rowan University, one of the most compassionate and kind people she’s ever met. And of Kurt Klier, Assistant Director at the University of Maryland, she says, “He has truly been the best boss, mentor, and friend combo I could ask for!” She adds, “Each one of these individuals has shaped the professional I am today.”

Sports have long played a significant role in Maeve’s life; however, after a series of serious injuries, she now recreates by going on hikes and makes a point to focus on fitness over competition. She says, “Last year, I was able to do a bunch of hikes out west: Joshua Tree, Grand Canyon, and Sedona. Hopefully there are more hikes to come!” She adds, “Outside of work and recreation, I’m a big music and trivia fan. I love going to concerts and have recently been able to DJ live with one of my best friends a few times in New York. If you’re ever looking for a trivia teammate, I promise I’ll bring something to the team!

NIRSA is excited to have emerging stars like Maeve counted among its membership. The future of campus recreation is made brighter by her rising star!