MaKenna is originally from the town of Nicollet, Minnesota, where she competed in track and cross country for Nicollet/Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial. Her high school highlights included competing twice at the state track and field meet in the 4x800m relay, and setting a school record in the 4x800.

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MaKenna was recruited to MSU-Mankato, where she was a Northern Sun Conference Champion in the 1500m and 800m outdoors and placed 7th at the NCAA DII Indoor Championships in the Mile. She was a true team player competing in many relays throughout her collegiate career including a first place finish in the SMR at the Drake Relays. She also raised the level of the Maverick cross country team with a 4th place finish in the NCAA DII Central Regional Championships. She finished college with personal bests of 2:08.44 (800m), 4:25.19 (1500m), and 4:46.27 (mile). 

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After completing her college eligibility, MaKenna raced the Mini-Apple Night of Miles professional race, where she placed 3rd in a personal best of 4:43.30. Since joining Minnesota Distance Elite in August of 2024 she has started to dabble in the longer track distances. She has posted top ten finishes in road races as well, including at the USATF 6K Championships and Quad City Time Bix 7 Miler. She will continue to stretch her range in the coming seasons.