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Whether you're a new coach or a seasoned veteran, Challenge Leadership Academy empowers you with the knowledge, tools, and community you need to succeed.

I'M IN!

Effective coaching is more than strategies and drills; it's about resilience, leadership, team dynamics, and preparing athletes for success on and off the field.

This comprehensive online course and online community is tailored for coaches across all sports to elevate your practice and help you become the best leader you can be.

Who This Course Is For?

This community is perfect for you if:

  • You’re Passionate About Coaching

    You genuinely desire to help athletes reach their full potential and are committed to continuous improvement.

  • You Want to Enhance Your Communication Skills:

    You want to improve your communication with your athletes to build trust and foster teamwork.

  • You Value Self-Awareness:

    You believe that understanding your strengths and areas for improvement is key to being an effective coach.

  • You Aim for Consistency:

    You want to ensure your coaching practices consistently align with your core values and philosophy.

  • You’re Ready to Make a Lasting Impact:

    You’re dedicated to making a positive, lasting difference in the lives of your athletes and your team.

Hi! I'm McKenna!

I’m thrilled to share my journey and passion for coaching with you.

With over 19 years of experience as a varsity volleyball coach and an award-winning AP Psychology teacher, I’ve dedicated my career to developing young athletes into strong, confident leaders on and off the court.

My Coaching Journey

After graduating and playing volleyball at Hope College in Holland, MI, I returned to my roots in Toledo, Ohio, and began my teaching and coaching career in Bryan, Ohio. Landing a varsity volleyball coaching position was a defining moment despite never having coached before. Armed with passion, knowledge, and a desire to make a difference, I embraced the challenge wholeheartedly.

Coaching Philosophy

From the very beginning, my core philosophy has remained unchanged: I coach not for wins and losses but to build confidence, resilience, and strength in my athletes. I believe in developing not just their physical skills but also their mental and emotional fortitude. My goal has always been to transform young, 14-year-old girls entering my program into strong, confident women by the time they graduate.

Continuous Growth + Learning

Coaching and teaching have taught me the importance of continuous reflection and growth. Our values evolve as we experience life and learn more about ourselves. Throughout my career, I’ve understood the significance of staying aligned with my core values and ensuring my coaching practices reflect those beliefs. It’s about creating an environment where athletes can thrive, learn, and grow into their best selves.

Achievements + Recognition

Over the years, I’ve had the honor of receiving numerous awards and recognitions, including:

  • ➡️District Coach of the Year: 2012, 2021, 2023
  • ➡️First NLL Coach of the Year: 2023
  • ➡️20 Under 40 Toledo: 2021
  • ➡️Ohio Public Schools Humanitarian Award: 2018
  • ➡️BCSN Top 20 Coaches of the Past 20 Years
  • ➡️Make a Difference Teacher: 2020, 2023

 

I know firsthand the challenges coaches face, especially at the beginning of their journey.

I often wished for a course and community to learn from, bounce ideas off of, and receive specific resources to help me develop my philosophy, team bonding techniques, drills, and more.

My mission is to provide the tools, support, and community you need to excel in your coaching career; regardless of where you are in your coaching journey or what level you coach at, we can ALL learn from one another.

 

JOIN OUR

Community

Challenge Leadership Academy’s community is more than just a network; it’s a family of dedicated coaches committed to helping each other succeed. Here, you’ll find the encouragement, advice, and camaraderie you need to become the best coach you can be.

What people are Saying :

Lora Parent, The University of Toledo

"McKenna is not only an alopecia warrior but also a true embodiment of leadership and resilience. McKenna’s talk on developing our leadership brand resonated deeply with the college students in the audience. McKenna’s insights on branding were practical and thought-provoking. She emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself while embracing our unique experiences to become an authentic leader."

Ann Servais, Cigna Healthcare

"McKenna presented at our 2023 Women in Leadership Retreat. What a great way to help individuals reframe their own personal narrative and focus on moving forward, not looking in the rear view mirror. She is engaging and inspiring!"

Meaghan Murphy, Editor-in-Chief Woman's Day

"McKenna is a beautiful example of the power of making your mess your message. I was thrilled to share her story in Woman's Day."

Kevin Wolma, Hope College Athletics

"McKenna has a powerful story about grit and the opportunities that exist in the face of adversity. We were also challenged to find our desired brand by discovering our strengths and values. Each of our student athletes left the presentation more equipped to face the challenges of the world while living their lives to make a difference in the lives of others."

Phil A. Long, Ohio Educators Association-R

"McKenna is the ultimate professional while conducting her inspirational and helpful session for OEA-Retired and Actives. During the virtual session, McKenna strived to engage the participants by encouraging these educators to "find their It/passion" by empowering themselves and others. McKenna's demeanor and enthusiasm are very contagious.”

Tori Peters, Elevate Your Leadership Brand Graduate

"I found it to be a great way to make connections, set aside time for myself during the week, think differently about my values and priorities, and grow as a leader."

I'm Ready! Let's Do This!

As a member of the Challenge Leadership Academy
course + community, you will:

ENHANCING
COACHING SKILLS::

Gain comprehensive knowledge on key aspects of coaching, from building resilience to effective communication and team dynamics.

IMPROVING
ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE:

Implement strategies to support athlete development, leading to better performance on and off the field/court.

TEAM DYNAMICS
PROFESSIONAL NETWORK:

Foster trust and collaboration, resulting in cohesive and motivated teams.

PROMOTING PERSONAL +
PROFFESSIONAL GROWTH:

Reflect on core values, philosophy, and vision for clearer coaching identity and effectiveness.

BUILDING A
SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY:

Connect with like-minded coaches for ongoing support, inspiration, and collaboration.

ENSURING
CONTINUOUS LEARNING:

Benefit from monthly interactive calls and access to a wealth of resources for ongoing development.

Joining the Challenge Leadership Academy is an investment in your coaching career, your athletes, and your team’s success, providing the tools, knowledge, and support needed to excel.

I'm Ready! Let's Do This!

FEATURES and OFFERINGS of the

Elevate + EmpowerHER

Course

  • Comprehensive Video Modules

  • Calls Recorded:

    Can't make a live call? No problem. Understanding the busy schedules of our participants, every call will be recorded and made available shortly after the live session. This allows you to engage with the material at your convenience and ensures you never miss out on valuable insights.

  • Community of Like-minded Women:

    Join an exclusive community of ambitious, like-minded women who are on the same journey to elevate their leadership and personal lives. This community is a safe space for sharing experiences, challenges, and successes.

  • Resources for Growth:

    Gain access to a curated selection of resources designed to supplement the weekly training calls. From self-assessment worksheets to actionable plans, the resources provided will help you apply what you've learned directly to your personal and professional life, ensuring tangible growth and progress.

  • Community Forum:

    An online forum where members can connect, share experiences, seek advice, and support each other. This platform fosters a strong sense of community and networking opportunities.

  • Q&A Sessions:

    Each training call includes a Q&A segment where you can seek clarity, ask specific questions, and dive deeper into the weekly topics with the course leaders.

  • Discounts and Early Access:

    Exclusive discounts on additional services such as one-on-one coaching, advanced courses, and first access to special events and new offerings. PLUS, your membership fee will NEVER increase as your fee is grandfathered in!

  • Special Guest Sessions:

    Occasional sessions with special guests, ranging from industry leaders to motivational speakers, providing unique insights and inspiration.

Total Value $397

JOIN NOW
$27 Monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

EmpowerHER is a supportive network designed for ambitious women and working moms, offering resources, workshops, and a community to help you thrive in all aspects of your life.

The community is ideal for working women and mothers who are seeking to enhance their leadership skills, achieve better work-life balance, and connect with other like-minded women. If you're looking for support, inspiration, and practical tools to grow in all aspects of life, this community is for you.

All live calls will be recorded and made available to course participants. You can watch the recordings at your convenience, ensuring you don't miss out on any valuable insights.

The community forum is an online space where you can post questions, share experiences, and connect with other members. It’s a

You can cancel your membership at any time through your account settings or by contacting our support team. We make the process straightforward and hassle-free.

Engage actively in live calls, participate in community discussions, apply what you learn to your daily life, and don’t hesitate to seek feedback. The more you put into the course, the more you’ll gain.

Yes, we maintain community guidelines to ensure a respectful and supportive environment. These guidelines help foster constructive interactions and protect the integrity of our community.

Find your Why

Have you ever felt a deep-seated sense that you’re destined for more? This isn’t merely about ambition—it’s about finding your purpose. At our core, we all yearn to make a meaningful impact, to truly matter. The EmpowerHER Community is your roadmap to discovering that ‘why’ and equipping you with the tools to chase it with unwavering passion.

Many of us harbor dreams. Yet, how many of us actually pursue those dreams? The gap between ‘wanting’ and ‘achieving’ is often cluttered with doubts, fears, and the clamor of external expectations. The EmpowerHER Community acts as your bridge, helping you cross from aspiration to actualization.

Within you lies an untapped wellspring of potential. Perhaps societal pressures, or even your own doubts, have shielded you from recognizing it. It’s time to unearth that potential, to astonish even yourself with what you’re truly capable of achieving.

Leadership transcends titles and roles. It’s about influence, impact, and legacy. Imagine being able to touch lives, inspire change, and leave a lasting mark—not just in your career but across all aspects of your life.

Work-life balance is more than a popular phrase—it’s about achieving wholeness, where every aspect of your life vibrates in harmony. If you’ve felt fragmented or stretched thin, the EmpowerHER Community offers you a pathway to integration and deep fulfillment.

Join us at the EmpowerHER Community, where we transform potential into reality, dreams into achievements, and aspirations into actions. Let’s navigate this journey together, empowering each other towards a life of impact and fulfillment.

Maybe past failures, societal expectations, or personal fears have written your
story so far. This is your pen, your page, your narrative. Reclaim it.

At the end of this journey, even the challenges will look different. They transform from insurmountable walls to stepping stones, from setbacks to setups for grand comebacks.

Joining this community isn’t merely about professional advancement. It’s about answering that inner call that whispers to you during quiet moments, nudging you toward greatness.

It’s time to listen. It’s time to act.

LET'S GO! I'M READY NOW!

Hey, I'm McKenna

McKenna Reitz embodies resilience and transformative leadership, acclaimed for her impactful TEDx talk and a distinguished 18-year career as an award-winning AP Psychology teacher. An alopecia warrior, McKenna channels her personal journey into a powerful message of empowerment, encouraging individuals to transform obstacles into opportunities for growth.

Recognized for her profound impact within and beyond the educational sphere with awards such as Toledo 20 Under 40 and the ‘I Make a Difference’ teacher accolade, McKenna’s influence radiates through her role as a celebrated varsity volleyball coach, meriting her inclusion in the BCSN Top 20 Coaches of the Past 20 Years and earning her numerous ‘Coach of the Year’ awards.

A sought-after motivational speaker, McKenna has engaged audiences across leading organizations and academic settings, delivering powerful discourses on resilience, purpose, and the art of turning challenges into opportunities. Her story and insights have been featured in prestigious media platforms such as Forbes, Good Morning America, and The Jennifer Hudson Show, further solidifying her status as a beacon of purpose-driven leadership. Residing in Sylvania, Ohio, with her family, McKenna utilizes her personal narrative and expertise to ignite change and nurture a spirit of empowerment, showcasing the transformative power of embracing adversity for personal and professional growth.