Originally from Towaco, NJ McKenna spent his high school career under legendary coach Jeff Buxton at Blair Academy. As a prep McKenna won prestigious tournaments like Ironman, Beast of the East, and the prep nationals. McKenna spent the beginning of his college career at Stanford University where he would become an All-American before transferring to Ohio State to close out his collegiate career. at Ohio State, McKenna was a two time All-American finishing third and second respectfully.