Rachel Rentschler McWilliams '07: 2024 Alumni of the Year

 

Dr. Terry Rodgers, President and Head of School, announces Rachel Rentschler McWilliams, Class of 2007, as our 2024 Fort Worth Christian Alumni of the Year.

 

A visionary leader and entrepreneur, Rachel is the owner of Restore Hyper Wellness in Colleyville, a business that has made a significant impact in the wellness industry by offering innovative treatments designed to help people feel their best and perform at their peak. “Rachel’s character, love for others, and love for FWC make her a perfect selection for this year’s Alumni of the Year,” said Dr. Rodgers. “She did great things while a student at Fort Worth Christian and she is continuing to do great things in our community. She is a loving mother and a business owner. We are proud to call her a Cardinal!”

 

Rachel's connection to Fort Worth Christian School runs deep. During her high school years, she was an integral part of the school’s vibrant community. In 2006, Rachel was crowned Homecoming Queen. Her school spirit and outgoing nature also earned her nominations for Best All-Around and Miss FWC, showcasing her well-rounded abilities and leadership. Additionally, Rachel was named Most Outgoing and Most Athletic, honors highlighting her dynamic personality and exceptional involvement in athletics.

Rachel had an outstanding basketball career at Fort Worth Christian High School from 2004 to 2007, leading the Cardinals to three TAPPS 5A state titles. She set a National Christian School Athletic Association record with 899 points as a sophomore. Recognized as one of the nation’s top recruits, Rachel was ranked No. 26 overall by Scout.com/HoopGurlz and Rise Magazine. Rentschler earned numerous honors, including NSCAA All-America First Team and a finalist spot for the McDonald's High School All-America Game in 2007.

 

Coach Anderson, Rachel’s coach and current Varsity Girls’ Basketball coach for the Cardinals, shared one fun fact about Rachel. “Never have I coached a kid that hated practice more than Rachel. But if her dad was at practice, she knew she better step it up. There were a couple of times when she would be giving less than her best so I would pull her aside and say, ‘Do I need to call Dad?’ All of a sudden, she would be taking it to a whole new level.”

 

Fellow teammate, Shelby Holt, added this about Rachel. "It was definitely a highlight of mine to play basketball with Rachel in high school. Her joy was infectious both on and off the court. It was clear that she cared not only about winning and performing well in games, but that the entire team was successful. For someone with so much talent - not to mention pressure to perform - she kept a level head and was always down to earth. It's hard to find a star that does that! I was also able to see Rachel play for UT during her freshman year. It was so exciting (and no surprise) to see her shine at the next level. I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to win multiple state championships in high school with Rachel, not only as a teammate, but as a friend."

 

Coach Anderson shared one more humorous story about a game at Prestonwood. Rachel was having an outstanding night. Near the end of the game, the Cardinals were winning big and Rachel had scored 40+ points, nearing 50. “Normally in that situation you pull your starters just as a sign of good sportsmanship to the other team. Rachel begged me to let her stay in to get to 50. I gave her a couple of minutes of playing time to get there or I would really need to pull her out so it doesn't look like I'm running up the score. She then makes a basket to get to 49 and was fouled just as her allotted time was running out. If she makes the free throw, she hits 50. She misses and I pull her out. If looks could kill I would have died a thousand deaths that night.”

 

She finished her high school basketball career with 3,215 points, ranking fifth all-time in Texas at the time of her graduation. She also tallied 1,120 total rebounds, with 358 offensive rebounds (third at Fort Worth Christian) and 762 defensive rebounds, setting a school record. Rentschler recorded 259 blocks, the second-most in school history. Her accolades include being named First Team All-State three times, Second Team All-State once, and District MVP three times.

 

Rachel began her college basketball career at the University of Texas, playing in 34 games as a freshman. After transferring to TCU, she made an immediate impact. In her sophomore season with the Frogs, she earned All-Tournament Team honors and recorded four double-doubles. By her junior year, she ranked second on the team in 3-point shooting percentage and scored a season-high 14 points against BYU. As a senior, Rentschler led the team in 3-point shooting and recorded a season-high 10 rebounds in the Mountain West Tournament.

 

Her journey into the world of health and wellness began after years of personal experiences that shaped her passion for holistic well-being. Her first career was with Gulf States Toyota where she enjoyed a successful 10 year journey as Marketing Account Executive, Retail Training Manager and District Sales Manager. While storied in her success at Toyota, something else was driving Rachel’s next career move. “Although I had great success and acquired a vast amount of skill and expertise in the automotive industry, I was compelled to leave and follow my passion for the health and wellness industry.” She became driven to discover ways to promote longevity and vitality. Her desire to help others led her to explore the growing field of hyper wellness, an approach that emphasizes proactive care and preventive treatments. From her announcement on Facebook about her career change, Rachel linked her own athletic background to her passion for helping others. “My experience as an athlete and D1 basketball player made me realize the importance of taking care of my body. Being a part of this industry will allow me the opportunity to help others restore their health with a proactive approach!”

 

In 2020, Rachel opened her first Restore Hyper Wellness franchise in Fort Worth, an area she loves and calls home. With Restore, Rachel introduced cutting-edge services like cryotherapy, IV drip therapy, red light therapy, and compression therapy—treatments designed to reduce inflammation, improve energy, and accelerate recovery. Her business quickly became a hub for athletes, busy professionals, and everyday individuals looking to enhance their overall well-being. Beyond her generosity as an FWC Corporate Partner, Rachel has also generously provided care for many Fort Worth Christian families and our Cardinal athletes.

 

Her success in the wellness industry stems not only from her passion for health but also from her keen business acumen. She is adept at identifying trends and meeting the needs of a rapidly growing market. One of the things that sets her apart is her focus on education. She ensures her clients are well-informed about the benefits of each treatment, providing them with the tools they need to make informed decisions about their health. As an entrepreneur, Rachel is particularly passionate about breaking down barriers in the health industry. She often reflects on how the public tends to view wellness through a reactive lens—seeking treatment after illness strikes. Through Restore, she’s challenging that notion by promoting a proactive approach that encourages people to take charge of their health before problems arise. Rachel’s dedication to improving lives extends beyond her business. She’s deeply involved in the Fort Worth community, volunteering with local organizations and mentoring other women entrepreneurs. Her commitment to giving back has earned her the respect and admiration of her peers, and her business continues to thrive as a result of her tireless efforts.

 

One of Rachel’s former teammates, Kat (Kundmueller) Owens ’06, reflected on her experience transferring to FWC during her junior year and feeling unfamiliar with most people. “I remember Rachel and her family made me feel so welcome right away! One of the things I love most about Rachel is her sense of humor and playfulness. I recall driving to a basketball game and seeing a sign for a quiche breakfast. Rachel joked, ‘Look, a “quick breakfast”!’ My dad and I still laugh about it today. She always knew how to make life fun and made me feel like family.” Kat, now Director of Presidential Programs and Events at Clemson, praised her former teammate’s success. “I am so proud of everything Rachel has accomplished, both professionally and with the beautiful family she’s built. She may have helped me with several assists on the court, but I’ll always be grateful for the ones she threw me in the game of life. Love you big, Rachel!”

 

Rachel and her husband Khary live in Northeast Tarrant County. They are proud parents of a son and daughter, two future Cardinals, Jordan (3) and Maisie (1). Rachel exemplifies what it means to be a Christ-centered leader. Her commitment to innovation in wellness, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her dedication to her community make her a shining example of the impact one individual can have. Rachel will begin her service this fall as one of the newest members of the Fort Worth Christian Alumni Council. Her life journey serves as a true inspiration to her classmates, current students, and all members of the FWC family.

 

FWC Director of Alumni Relations Terry Drake ‘78 knows the challenge the Alumni Council faces each year of selecting one recipient out of many deserving alumni. "This alumni award recognizes individuals who excelled as students and continue to honor God through the way they live their lives in their careers, families, and service to others. With Rachel, you also have someone who has used her success to bless FWC. She has served our Cardinal family with her time, talent, and treasure. It is such an honor to recognize Rachel in this way."

 

On Friday, September 20, 2024, Rachel will be honored as a participant in the annual Homecoming parade and during the Homecoming pep rally. During the football game, in between the 1st and 2nd quarters, Rachel will be presented in front of the Homecoming crowd with this distinguished recognition.

 

Congratulations, Rachel Rentschler McWilliams, recipient of this year’s Alumni of the Year award!