Friends and family packed out the gym at Bulloch Academy on Wednesday morning, March 19, 2025. McKenna Furnari was the center of attention as she signed to Alabama A&M to continue her softball career. Furnari played softball at Bulloch Academy her entire high school career and has left an impact on the school and program.
Along with softball, Furnari played basketball during her time at Bulloch Academy. Ashley Burke had the opportunity to coach Furnari years ago for basketball and for the last two seasons as the head coach for softball.
"Even at a early age, I could tell McKenna would work at every sport she played," Burke said. "One of the many reasons why McKenna finds so much success in this sport is because she practices, she plays, and she finds time to get better."
Several others came up to share their thoughts on McKenna. They all spoke on the growth of Furnari as a person and as an athlete.
"Your commitment to improving every single day has been inspiring to your teammates, the coaches and everyone who has had the honor of watching you play over the last 4 years," said Jason Godbee, Assistant Athletic Director.
McKenna was given the microphone to share a few words of her own. She talked about how her faith and gave thanks to the multitude of coaches that have helped her over her career.
Among the people that McKenna mentioned during her speech, her mother, Devon Furnari, received the most gratitude. Devon Furnari was emotional as she sat beside her daughter on this joyous day.
"You just think back to the little person that started this and the work, the late nights," Furnari said. "The coaches talked about it, she would be out here in the dark with the spotlight on. I guess that's why the emotion kind of set in; you really think back to all of the hard work and dedication."
Alabama A&M is a Division 1 NCAA program, and Furnari will be playing for their softball team next spring. "As soon as I stepped on campus, it felt like home," McKenna said. "All of the girls took me in as soon as I became a Bulldog. It is an up-and-coming program, and I believe that I can make it better than what it is right now."
McKenna left a message for her younger teammates, as well. "You're going to go through hard times, and you're going to believe that you are not good enough," McKenna said. "Just keep working and believing, and you are going to make it."
Furnari will continue to represent Bulloch Academy as she continues in her academic and athletic career. Her large support system will have her back no matter where she goes, and Alabama A&M will be getting a person who is remarkably dedicated to improving at her craft.
