Kelly will complete the academic year at Iowa Lakes, graduating with an Associate of Science degree in the Spring of 2020. Mary's thoughts on signing with Graceland University, "I am extremely grateful to be a part of the Yellow Jackets athletic program. They have offered me the opportunity to continue my role as a dual athlete playing volleyball and softball. I am excited to be a part of their family and see what the season holds".
Kelly is a graduate of Sandra Day O'Connor High School in San Antonio, Texas and is the daughter of Elisabeth Cuadros.
"Mary will be greatly missed in the softball program and school next year," commented Head Softball Coach, Katie Larson. "Unfortunately, Mary's career was not ideal, injury last year and COVID this year, but she was a pleasure to coach. She is the type of athlete that is always willing to learn and try something new. She is a very kind hearted and genuine young lady. I am extremely excited that Mary has found a new place to call home next year and cannot wait to watch her continue to grow both athletically and as a person."
Kelly, a setter and defensive specialist for the volleyball team and an outfielder for the softball the team, found great success both on and off the court. On the volleyball court, Kelly recorded 432 career assists and 459 career digs. On the softball diamond, Kelly had a career batting average of .367. In the 2019 volleyball season, Kelly was awarded 1st Team Academic All-Region, where she maintained a 4.0 GPA.
"Mary is an outstanding student-athlete. She did a great job for us this past fall moving from DS to Setter and leading us to the Regional playoffs. Graceland is getting a great kid and she will make Laker Nation proud," commented Head Volleyball Coach Mike Turnbull.
Reflecting on her two seasons with Iowa Lakes Volleyball, Mary stated "I really grew as a person. The coaching staff helped me gain more knowledge of the game which helped my confidence on the court. Coach T believed in me and my skills as setter even though I had never been a setter before. Knowing that he had my back allowed me to step it up and help my team when our starting setter was injured".
Coach Stew with Graceland University said "Mary is a unique fit to our Liberal Arts environment. She is a good student with diverse interests - a nice match to our holistic goals. We are delighted that she has both the interest and the athletic skill sets to contribute in both softball and volleyball. We are looking forward to her Yellowjacket future."
PHOTO: Photo of Mary Kelly attached.
MEDIA: For more information, please contact Head Volleyball Coach Mike Turnbull at (712) 362-8375 or the Iowa Lakes sports information office at (712) 362-7928.