by Naquela Kirk, assistant director of Student Affairs Marketing and Communications

For McKinley Hubbard, representing the University of Alabama at Birmingham means more than wearing a crown. As Miss UAB 2026, the junior is using her role to connect campus communities and serve others both on and off the field.

Hubbard, from Vance, Alabama, chose UAB to pursue both academics and athletics. A member of the UAB softball team, she is majoring in kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science and plans to graduate in spring 2027 before pursuing a career as a physician associate with hopes of working in dermatology.

Balancing athletics, academics, and the responsibilities of Miss UAB can make for a demanding schedule. Still, Hubbard says she relies on her faith and support system to stay grounded. It was Hubbard’s teammates who first encouraged her to compete for the title.

“Two years ago we were joking around and they told me I should compete,” she said. “The next year they asked again, and I finally decided, ‘Why not?’ I didn’t go into it expecting to win. I just wanted the chance to serve this campus in a new way.”

Since being crowned in November, Hubbard has represented UAB through campus appearances, athletics initiatives and community outreach programs. She attended UAB’s Spring ConnectFest to meet students and learn more about campus organizations, served as the face of UAB Athletics’ National Girls and Women in Sports Day campaign, and launched a Love Your Heart Challenge social media initiative during American Heart Month that encouraged students to prioritize physical, mental and spiritual wellness.

In February, one of her first major appearances as Miss UAB took place at the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery, where she led the Alabama Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance during the opening session.
“That moment was really special,” Hubbard said. “I have family members who have served in state leadership, so being there as Miss UAB was incredibly meaningful.”

Her community service initiative focuses on the Miracle League, an organization that gives children and adults with special needs the opportunity to experience teamwork, athletics and community. Hubbard’s connection to the organization began through her cousin Caden, who has participated in the Miracle League since he was five years old.

This passion has shaped many of Hubbard’s appearances throughout the year. During UAB softball’s game against Charlotte, Hubbard hosted a Disability Awareness Game that welcomed Miracle League athletes and middle school students from special needs programs across the Birmingham area. Participants served as anthem buddies, appeared on the video board and ran the bases after the game.

“It was an opportunity for athletes of all abilities to be celebrated, supported and given the opportunity to shine,” Hubbard said.

Hubbard has also coached local Miracle League events, hosted a skills clinic for McAdory High School students in a functional skills program at Mary Bowers Field, and served as a judge for the Tuscaloosa County School System’s Special Olympics Rhythmic Gymnastics competition.

“Although my community service initiative is the Miracle League, I’m passionate about inclusion for those with special needs everywhere,” she said.

In addition to her community involvement, Hubbard has remained active within UAB Athletics. She emceed the department’s annual awards banquet, the Green and Golden Globes, where she presented the Community Service Award. During the event, she was also recognized as the softball program’s “Most Valuable Blazer.”

Outside of her campus obligations, Hubbard has another passion: music. Raised in a musical family, she has played piano since she was seven years old and performs it as her talent in competition.

“My parents always reminded me that athletics might end one day, but music is something you can carry with you for the rest of your life,” she said.

Looking ahead, Hubbard will represent UAB at the Miss Alabama 2026 competition, which will be held June 3–6 at Samford University.

For students considering competing for the title in the future, Hubbard offers simple advice:
“Just do it,” she said. “You’re not just one thing. You can be anything you want to be.”

For more about the Miss Alabama pageant or for ticket information, visit https://www.missalabama.com.