Watch Ucal McKenzie's Induction Video Here

It didn’t take long for people to notice Ucal McKenzie on a soccer field. He was a natural, blessed with an inordinate amount of speed, quickness and agility. The field was his stage and he opened the eyes and captured the hearts of everyone in the audience. If soccer games had curtain calls, he would have taken many bows after each performance.

McKenzie, originally from Jamaica, arrived at Suffolk University in 1993 from Long Island, New York. He immediately made a name for himself, leading the Rams to a record of 10-4, a significant turnaround from their 2-8-1 mark the previous season. In his initial campaign, the multi-skilled forward was a consistently productive player and named the team’s “Rookie of the Year.”

Throughout his Suffolk playing career, McKenzie’s presence on the soccer field was exceptional and inspirational, culminating with his captain’s status and being recognized as the Rams “Most Valuable Player” during his senior season.

“Ucal was the key player who helped turn our program completely around,” said former Suffolk head soccer coach Dennis Franczak. “He was a gifted athlete who had a nose for the ball and made everyone around him better. I believe he definitely could have played at the Division I level.”

On and off the field, McKenzie carried himself with class and dignity. He represented all of the wonderful character traits that Suffolk student athletes should emulate during all competitive events, and afterwards when all the cheering stops.

After receiving his bachelor of arts degree in business administration from Suffolk, McKenzie spent two seasons as an assistant coach of the Rams’ men’s soccer team. He then moved on to become head coach of the boys’ soccer squad at Cambridge Rindge & Latin School, where he led the Falcons to consecutive appearances in the Massachusetts state tournament. He later became head coach of the boys’ soccer team at Newton North High School.

On May 30, 2009, Ucal McKenzie, at the tender age of 32, died of sudden cardiac arrest while playing the game he loved for a local club team. His legacy, however, lives on through “The Ucal McKenzie Breakaway Foundation,” which sponsors and promotes soccer clinics and initiatives, health and wellness education, and a strong and vibrant community for youth in the Greater Boston area.

“Ucal was a good person who cared about his family and friends, and making people laugh and feel comfortable around him,” said Suzanne McKenzie, Ucal’s wife, who met her husband while attending Suffolk. “He was special.”