Prior to UCM: McDonald spent the previous three seasons at fellow MIAA member school Arkansas-Fort Smith where she appeared in 161 sets over 47 matches compiling 312 kills averaging 1.94 kills per set while totaling 121 total blocks including 26 solo blocks... Kaelyn had 15 double-digit kill performances for the Lions including a career-best 14 against St. Mary's while recording nine matches with five or more blocks highlighted by a nine-block outing against the Jens en route to being named an All-MIAA Honorable Mention selection in 2024.

In High School: Was a member of the MoKan All-Star game while helping the Lee's Summit West Titans to a MSHAA 5A runner up finish in 2022 for head coach Jennifer Morgan earning multiple All-District and All-Conference honors. 

Personal: Daughter of Chris and Elaine McDonald ... Majoring in Marketing.