With the academic year officially concluded, McKena Barker can look back on her time at Chico State with considerable pride. As a member of the Wildcats' women's basketball team, she was regarded as one of the most ferocious rebounders in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), and put up career numbers that rank among the best of any player in the program's history. The Chico native was just as productive in the classroom, winning numerous academic honors while working her way towards a master's degree in public administration. Barker's success on and off the court make her the hands-down choice for the final Wildcat of the Week award of 2018–19. She is also Chico State's Female Senior Athlete of the Year.
A three-time All-CCAA selection, Barker averaged 9.2 points and 7.6 rebounds a game during her Chico State career, and led the Wildcats in rebounds for four consecutive seasons. Her 771 total boards rank fourth on Chico State's all-time rebounding list.
Barker enjoyed her finest season in 2018–19, averaging a double-double (11 points and 10.7 rebounds a game), and her 10 double-doubles gave Barker 22 for her career—the fifth-most in program history.
Barker racked up outstanding grades as efficiently as she performed at Acker Gym. To date, she has earned six CCAA All-Academic honors, and received three Division II Athletic Directors Association Academic Achievement Awards.
Hard work and dedication served as the bywords for McKena Barker in competition and in the classroom throughout her Chico State career. She embodies the spirit and confidence that is the core of Wildcat Athletics, and these qualities will lead Barker to even more successes as she continues through life.
