McLachlin and her husband Chris moved to Honolulu in 1970. She attended the
University of Hawaii where she competed on the
Hawaii Rainbow Wahine volleyball. As
Title IX had been passed upon her enrollment, McLachlin competed on the university's first women's volleyball team in 1974. As a member of the team, McLachlin was elected a United States Volleyball Association All-American twice as she guided them to two
Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) National Championships matches. While enrolled in University, McLachlin participated in the 1970 World Games, 1973 World University Games, and was named captain of Team USA in 1976. She was also a member of Team USAs 1968 Olympic Women's Volleyball Team as an alternate and was named United States Volleyball Association (USVBA) Rookie of the Year. During her tenure with Team USA, McLachlin was named a USVBA All-American seven times. In 1977, McLachlin accepted a position at
La Pietra as their athletic director, a role she stayed in until 2000. A few years later, McLachlin was inducted into the University of Hawaii's Sports Circle of Honor. In 2019, McLachlin was inducted into the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame. ==Personal life==