Mitch McKay '05

Inducted 2019 

MITCH MCKAY ’05 - McKay was a two-sport standout for the Trojans playing basketball and beginning a soccer career that has spanned twenty years and counting.  In the gym, Mitch was a two year letterman and team captain, earning all-Big 9 honorable mention in 2005. On the pitch, McKay led the first Trojan district championship team, while amassing many individual accolades as well.  As a goalkeeper, McKay currently ranks 9th all time in MHSAA history with 40 career shutouts (8 consecutive). The Trojan 2004 campaign, led by McKay concluded with the Trojans winning the big 9 conference title as well as the district championship after defeating Grand Blanc twice by a score of 2-0 to win the conference championship and the conference tournament prior to defeating East Lansing 1-0 (OT) to win the first district championship in school history.  McKay’s efforts landed him on the first teams for the Big 9, MHSAA district, MHSAA region, and all-state squads.

McKay’s collegiate soccer was played at Southern Wesleyan University (2005-2009) where he was an SSAC all-conference team member in 2006, 2007, and 2008.  He was the Warriors’ senior male athlete of the year in 2009, and awarded the SSAC Champion of Character Award in 2008. Mitch followed his collegiate playing days and moved on to the semi-professional ranks with four different clubs, excelling at all four stops.  Following his playing days, Mitch has had four stops as a collegiate coach at four different schools at the NAIA, NCAA Div II and NCAA Div I levels, amassing a career coaching record of 108-54-14. Throughout all of his playing and coaching years, McKay also managed to earn a master’s degree in Business Administration from Campbellsville University in Campbellsville, Kentucky in 2014 with a 4.0 GPA.  Currently living in Austin, Texas, McKay has co-founded a sports management company, representing American and international players while continuing to mentor goalkeepers for the Austin Texans Soccer Club and at St. Edward’s University.

McKay wishes to thank his mentors that have guided him throughout his career and life including OHS coaches Gary Melrose, John Emerson, and Homer Gumbs; his collegiate keeper coach, Camilo Rodriguez, and his grandfather, Andy Banas.  Regarding his grandfather, McKay states, “My grandfather is the reason I love sports. He taught me how to play soccer, basketball, and baseball in the backyard. He came to every game; the respect I have for him shaped my interactions with coaches, teammates, and opposing players.  He was all about character, working hard, and helping your team win”.