Kathy McGahey played hockey (field) and softball at LaSalle College, helping them win the AIAW title in hockey in 1980, and leading the softball team to the College World Series in 1981. She was named an All-America in both sports, graduating from LaSalle in 1982 with a degree in psychology. McGahey was named to the US national hockey team in 1980 and played through 1984, competing at the 1983 World Cup. She later became a coach, initially at Temple University. She settled in the Los Angeles area with her husband and worked in the hospitality business. Her daughter, Shannon Heinzler, played soccer (football) at the University of Arizona.