McKinnon Pennell joined The Citadel coaching staff as an assistant coach in February of 2023.

Pennell comes to Charleston from Sewanee: The University of the South, having served as an assistant women's soccer coach and recruiting coordinator for three seasons, including holding the interim coach title from December 2019-February 2020.

At the NCAA Division III school in Tennessee, Pennell was a part of the staff that led the Tigers to the 2022 Southern Athletic Association (SAA) regular season championship and conference tournament championship game. For their efforts, the coaching staff was recognized as the 2022 SAA Staff of the Year.

His duties consisted of serving as the squad's goalkeeper's coach, breaking down film, and creating scouting reports for Sewanee's opponents. Pennell also assisted in the evaluation and recruiting of potential student-athletes while helping with travel/budgetary responsibilities.

Before Sewanee, Pennell was the Director of Soccer Operations at Old Dominion University, an NCAA Divison I institution in Virginia, from August 2021-February 2022.

With the Monarchs, he was part of another successful staff as the 2021 team won the Conference USA regular season and conference tournament championships to earn a berth to the NCAA Tournament while garnering regional and national rankings. Pennell was once again part of a staff that was named the league's Staff of the Year.

At ODU, Pennell's responsilbities included recruiting, player development through analytics, and serving as the social media director.

As a player, Pennell spent four years as a member of Sewanee's men's soccer team, earning All-SAA Academic Team honors.

He also has academy coaching experience with Virginia Beach City FC and obtained his USSF D License and strength and conditioning certifications.