The Mahogany McKenzie Memorial Scholarship was established in 2020 in honor of former TVC player Mahogany McKenzie. Mahogany passed away in 2020 from an automobile accident that seriously injured twin sister, Ebony. Mahogany, Ebony and their parents, Otis and Jackie, were great supporters of TVC. The Scholarship will be given to an athlete who accepts a position on either a TVC High School travel team or participates on a league team and is in 7th grade or higher. The scholarship will cover the players’ fees and a large portion of the player’s travel expenses for those on a travel team or may cover fully or a portion of players’ fee for a league team. The requirements for consideration for the scholarship are placement on a TVC team, proven financial need; a 3.0 GPA; a recommendation from the player’s school or other previous coach; and the willingness to fund a portion of their expenses. The funding of expenses can be a combination of dollars and community service hours to the club. The 2025 application deadline is November 21,2025.

In 2020 TVC was approached by an anonymous donor who offered to cover a substantial portion of one player’s fees and travel expenses. The scholarship is given on a year to year basis and fits with TVC’s goal to honor Mahogany; increase outreach to underrepresented communities and the empowerment of young athletes through the sport of volleyball. The scholarship is funded by a generous donation, however, additional giving to assist with this endeavor is always welcome. If you would like to augment this program with a contribution, please contact Jessica Hohl or Gretchen Brown.

In describing their daughter, Jackie Foy-McKenzie said,“ Mahogany was known as Mo to her teammates, and Mouse to her family. She got that nickname because she was so quiet and shy, you did not know she was around unless your food was missing. Just a sweet girl, very kind, had such a huge heart. She always wanted the best for those around her.” Jackie continued, “Mo’s personality would change on the volleyball court. She turned into the loud, feisty player and there were times we could not believe that it was our Mouse. We were used to the kid with the small voice and peaceful spirit. She was our painter and artist, great student, friendly girl with a big smile and appetite. At 22 she was a successful entrepreneur-she and Ebony started a popular and successful juicer;the ME Juicery. She loved TVC and loved the game of volleyball and herclub friends became her second family. Otis, Ebony and I are so grateful and overwhelmed by the opportunity TVC is providing to honor our beloved Mouse.”

In addition to the scholarship support, TVC is also working with a group of current and alumni parents and players to establish a Mentoring Program for underrepresented athletes. Zahra Collins, former assistant director of the club will spearhead the development of the program along with Amma(Michelle) Asiedu Perozo (TVC 2014) Justice Wingate (TVC 2019) Ebony McKenzie(TVC and High Street Athletics 2016) , Brynn Brown (TVC 2021), and current TVC player Frankie Washington-Ramsdell. We are also looking at potential opportunities to work on coaches training for our coaches facilitated by collegiate coaches of color including TVC alum (2004)and former University of Iowa Head Coach, Vicki Brown. The Scholarship Selection Committee consists of TVC Board President, Gretchen Brown; alumni parents; Jackie McKenzie, Tina Asiedu, Kelly Wingate, and Morgan Ramsdell, and former assistant director, Zahra Aprili Collins.