McKinnon Pennell joined the Rhodes staff as the Head Women’s Soccer Coach in 2024.
In 2025, the Lynx went 13-5-2, ending second in conference. After finishing as conference runners-up, the program earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, where they won their first game in program history, defeating Brevard College 2-0. Nine players earned All-SAA recognition, while the staff was named SAA Coaching Staff of the Year. At the end of the season, three Lynx were named to USC All-Region teams. Throughout the year, the program was nationally ranked, peaking at #19 in the country.
In his first season, Pennell led Rhodes to a 12-4-1 record, becoming runners-up in both the regular season and conference tournament. Eleven players were named All-SAA, with five earning USC All-Region awards.
Before coming to Rhodes, Pennell was an assistant coach at The Citadel. There he was responsible for running practice sessions, breaking down film, developing scouting reports, evaluating and recruiting potential student-athletes, and assisting with travel and budgetary duties.
Prior to his time in Charleston, he served as an assistant women's soccer coach and recruiting coordinator at Sewanee: The University of the South for three seasons. During his tenure, he also held the interim head coach title from December 2019 to February 2020. At Sewanee, Pennell was instrumental in leading the Tigers to the 2022 Southern Athletic Association (SAA) regular-season championship and their conference tournament championship game. For their achievements, the coaching staff was honored as the 2022 SAA Staff of the Year.
Before his role at Sewanee, Pennell served as the Director of Soccer Operations at Old Dominion University (ODU) from August 2021 to February 2022. At ODU, he was part of a successful staff that led the team to win the Conference USA regular season and conference tournament championships, earn a berth to the NCAA Tournament, and achieve regional and national rankings. The ODU staff was also recognized as the Conference USA Staff of the Year. There Pennell's duties included recruiting, player development through analytics, and serving as the social media director.
As a player, Pennell spent four years on Sewanee's men’s soccer team and earned All-SAA Academic Team honors. He also has academy coaching experience with Virginia Beach City FC and South Carolina Surf. He holds a USSF C License and strength and conditioning certifications.
Pennell graduated from Sewanee in 2018 with a Bachelor's degree in Economics and later earned his Master's degree in Education from the University of Texas at Austin in 2022.
