McKenzie Onyango is coming back to where it all clicked.
The former North Texas pitcher, who made her mark in Denton over two standout seasons, has officially been hired as the new pitching coach for the Mean Green softball program. Head coach Cody White announced the move on Wednesday, calling Onyango a “perfect fit” thanks to her connection to the program and immediate success in the coaching world.
Just last season, Onyango was running the pitching staff at Dodge City Community College—and doing it well. Her entire bullpen was made up of freshmen, but that didn’t stop her from helping the group cut its ERA by 63% and more than double its strikeouts. The team finished with 27 wins, their best season since 2005, and four pitchers earned Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference honorable mention honors.
Now, she’s back at UNT, where she was once a force on the field. As a player, Onyango—then McKenzie Wagoner—put together two strong years in the circle after transferring from Liberty. She earned Second Team All-Conference USA honors as a junior and was named to the AAC All-Tournament Team as a senior. She still ranks top 10 in seven career pitching categories at UNT, including ERA, wins, and shutouts.
Before her return, she also made coaching stops with Dodge City and is currently serving as head coach of the Smoky Mountain Rain in the Scenic City Collegiate League this summer.
Originally from Newcastle, Oklahoma, Onyango was one of the top prep players in the country, winning the 2020 Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year award and earning the Michele Smith Award, which goes to the top five players in the state. She wrapped up her playing career with 36 wins and a 2.09 ERA across four years between Liberty and UNT.
Now, she’s back on familiar ground—this time, helping lead the next generation of Mean Green pitchers.
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