Charlotte Independence supporters group Jack's Militia hung a banner in support of McKenna Woodhead at the front of their section on Wednesday night. | Photo courtesy Charlotte Independence
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The result didn’t go the way the Charlotte Independence had hoped for on Wednesday night, but the evening was still a celebratory one as the club welcomed the family of Carolina Rapids youth player McKenna Woodhead to the Sportsplex at Matthews and dedicated its contest against defending USL Cup champion Louisville City FC to the young athlete.
Woodhead was severely injured in a boating accident after her jet ski hit a retaining wall on Lake Wylie in June. The 14-year-old suffered paralysis, but on Wednesday there was positive news as she was released from hospital with her family. The Independence donated the proceeds of Wednesday’s game to the Woodhead family, presenting a check for $25,000 in a halftime ceremony, while supporters group Jack’s Militia featured a #McKennaStrong banner at the front of their section at the venue.
Charlotte Independence managing partner Jim McPhilliamy and player Henry Kalungi present the Woodhead family with a check for $25,000. | Photo courtesy Charlotte Independence
“This is something that's really important to this family and hopefully we can do something like this every year for them,” Jim McPhilliamy, managing partner of Charlotte Independence, told local media at the event.
The club also encouraged fans who would like to offer support to the Woodhead family at this time to do so through an official GoFundMe page that had been set up to accept donation.
Here’s a look at a memorable evening as the Charlotte soccer community came together to support one of its own.
Guess who is going home Today? WE are! After 2 long months. Better yet...Guess who moved her fingers on her right hand? This Girl! It's small & not sure what it'll mean...but definite movement. Your Prayers are working - Keep them coming! #mckennastrong pic.twitter.com/xgBM5rN1v3
— Michelle Woodhead (@mmmmwcwood) August 22, 2018
tonight was for you Mckenna!! we love you! #McKennaStrong @mmmmwcwood @WoodheadMckenna pic.twitter.com/JJw70y5JfW
— Kaehler Marsh (@kaehhler) August 23, 2018
This is family. #McKennaStrong pic.twitter.com/AiaCn43Tax
— #McKennaStrong (@CLTIndependence) August 23, 2018
Spending the evening supporting an amazing cause. #mckennastrong pic.twitter.com/3UH60hDhNp
— Billie Kinstler (@cpstmom) August 23, 2018
What a wonderful night! Thinking of you! #McKennastrong @haley_stewart09 #soccerfamilypic.twitter.com/tCYlJlg3Tv
— LLS (@llstweets) August 23, 2018
We are so thankful to have such great partners at @CLTIndependence and such wonderful support from the whole soccer community in the Charlotte area. So special to see everyone come together in support of the Woodhead family tonight. #mckennastrong pic.twitter.com/T5GV0Ako40
— Carolina Rapids (@CarolinaRapids) August 23, 2018
Sunflowers for Mac! @CLTIndependence game today! We love you McKenna! @mmmmwcwood #McKennastrong pic.twitter.com/WPFNhcJzKP
— Tamika Julian (@tamikaharley) August 23, 2018
forever rooting for our girl #mckennastrong pic.twitter.com/fjhTh0PWls
— Nia Marie (@Niamarie_03) August 23, 2018
My niece all the way in south Louisiana brought a little Hope to her first day of third grade this morning! #mckennastrong @mmmmwcwood pic.twitter.com/RyZw8eU2uf
— Emily McMillan (@CoachEm6) August 17, 2018
Can’t express how much it makes me happy to support a club like @CLTIndependence. They stepped up when a member of the community needed help. #McKennaStrong #WeAreCLT #CLTvLOU pic.twitter.com/AcCxFWreFb
— Ben Goshorn (@TheSoccerGoose) August 22, 2018
It was an honor and privilege for the @CLTIndependence to host McKenna Woodhead and her family as well as the Charlotte Soccer Community for a worthy cause. A check for $25,000 was presented to the family. Thanks to everyone who came out. Go #mckennastrong pic.twitter.com/EjUiQ7ZOii
— Rich Posipanko (@RichPosipanko) August 23, 2018
— QCFootballChronicle (@QC_FC) August 22, 2018
@QueenMaryMack #CLTvLOU #MckennaStrong pic.twitter.com/FMNw4lsxg4
We are #mckennastrong with the CHARLOTTE Independence! #weareclt pic.twitter.com/OHTnJk9Zst
— Jenn Saltzman (@CarolinaSaltz) August 23, 2018
CSA #USSDA Girls representing and showing support at the @CLTIndependence #mckennastrong match! Lots of CSA Family in the crowd tonight! #csaproud #soccerunites #CSAgirls #soccerfamilypic.twitter.com/8Qp6BdV4qm
— Charlotte Soccer Academy (@CSA_Soccer) August 23, 2018
The Woodhead family received $25,000 from the @CLTIndependence ticket sales tonight! Thank you to everyone who came out and supported McKenna! #McKennaStrong #TeamMac pic.twitter.com/vbMeuO03Gz
— Clover Girls' Soccer (@CloverSoccerG) August 23, 2018