Former Lobo Women’s Hoops standout (1998-2002), Molly McKinnon, returns for her fourth season as the program’s strength and conditioning coach. She spent her New Mexico career under former head coach Don Flanagan, including her final two seasons under then-assistant coach Yvonne Sanchez.
Prior to her return to Albuquerque, McKinnon spent six seasons as a strength and conditioning coach at Kansas. She was in charge of developing all aspects of strength and conditioning regimen for the Jayhawk softball, soccer, and men’s golf programs while also assisting with men’s and women’s basketball.
While at KU, McKinnon observed lactate levels in her soccer athletes during preseason, postseason, and at the conclusion of the competitive season along with using the team polar system to simulate postseason training to game-day data.
During her Lobo playing career, McKinnon ranked in the top 20 in UNM career scoring and career rebounds; the top 10 for three-point field goal percentage in a season, free-throw percentage in a season, free-throw percentage in career, assists in a season, assists in career, single-game steals, and career steals. She also ranked in the top five for three-point percentage in a career, and games played at 125.
McKinnon holds four different certifications: RSCC, SCCC, USAW-1, and Titleist Performance Institute. She is also a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association, Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association, and USA Weightlifting.
McKinnon earned her Bachelor of Science degree from New Mexico and holds a Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology and Sports Administration from UNM. She is married to former Lobo Football standout Zach Rupp and the two have a pair of young sons Rowan and Tate. McKinnon and her family reside in Bernalillo.