Michelle Kelley

By Kara Walser
UWRF Sports Information

Michelle Kelley is in her fourth and final season as a member of the UWRF softball team.   Kelley is one of three seniors finishing out their careers this season and she hopes the team can decrease its number of strike outs, place in the top three of the WIAC, and to play every game like it is its last.

Kelley has been one of the "primary outfielders the last four seasons," says Coach Faye Perkins. "Michelle is a "sparkplug" on the team and provides a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the team."

Last year, Kelley hit .202, had three doubles, and tied for the team lead with three triples. She had 10 RBIs and a .283 on-base percentage. She was also named the team's Most Improved Player in 2005 when she hit .214 with a .312 on-base percentage.

Kelley is described as "one of the fastest base runners of the team" by Perkins and she is also used as a pinch runner when needed. Kelley started playing softball at age nine and has loved playing softball with the Falcons all four years she has been here.

When asked about her teammates, Kelley explains that she loves all the girls, they get along well, and they have "great team chemistry."  

Kelley is majoring in elementary education with a minor in early childhood.   She loves kids and enjoys helping them learn and become successful. She hopes to teach second or third grade after graduation and perhaps one day own a preschool.

She has been named to the WIAC Scholastics Honor Roll and a NFCA Scholar-Athlete in both 2005 and 2006.

Kelley is the daughter of Mark and Maureen Kelley of Rochester, Minn. She has a sister Melissa, 19, and a brother Michael, 14. "I get my inspiration from my mom who has showed me to work hard for everything I can and my Aunt Jayne who has showed me the true meaning of life and to live every day to the fullest."

In her free time, Kelley likes to spend time with her family and watch her younger brother play sports.   She also likes taking family vacations and spending time at their cabin where she likes to water ski.   Kelley also likes to snow ski, go shopping, and watch baseball, especially the Minnesota Twins players Tori Hunter and Joe Mauer.   She also works at Heart, Hands, and Mind in Prescott.