University of South Carolina Aiken Athletics

“There’s only one way to succeed in anything, and that is to give it everything.” – Vince Lombardi

When mentioning the word determination at USC Aiken, one student-athlete is the epitome of what that word means. The student-athlete did not grow up playing the sport of soccer, but she has been relentless in an effort to not only make the team as a walk-on, but also make an impact on and off the field.

People involved with the team talk about her endlessly. It is mentioned how hard she has worked, how far along she has come and what she means to the program. This season, Kelley has made a dramatic impact up top for the Pacers.

The 5-7 senior forward from Goose Creek, S.C., currently leads the team with five points on a pair of goals and an assist while starting every contest. Kelley is tied for the team lead with two goals. She netted her first goal of the season in the season-opening match at Pfeiffer before recording a career-high three points in the victory over Young Harris. Against the Mountain Lions, Kelley was dominant, scoring the team’s first goal of the match and assisting on the second score.

Although Kelley is thriving, she would not be where she is today if it wasn’t for a javee coach at Goose Creek H.S.

As a sophomore at Goose Creek H.S., the volleyball coach saw her athleticism and begged her to come out for soccer, which he was also the coach of. Kelley was hesitant since she did not know anything about the sport. However, she decided to play both sports that season.

“I tried out and made the team as a sophomore,” Kelley stated. “The team was not very good and I had zero experience, but I worked hard that year.

“Working hard became my thing. I didn’t care who I played against. I wanted to create opportunities by working hard.”

Her hard work paid off. She was eventually named captain of the team her last two years while also being the captain of the volleyball team her senior season.

“I loved volleyball a lot more and wanted to play it in college, but I didn’t have as many opportunities as I could have,” Kelley said. “I could have played at Emerson (Division II school in Boston) or walked onto the team at Lenoir-Rhyne. However, I would not have received a scholarship at L-R so either school would have been really expensive. I also had no confidence in trying to play soccer in college.”

Kelley, who was enamored with the feel of USC Aiken, decided to attend the bustling school in Aiken, S.C., as a student and not as a student-athlete.

“I spoke with the volleyball coach at USC Aiken, since it was my first love,” Kelley stated. “Coach Cox said he had a full roster that season, but I thought my passion for playing sports still existed. That’s when I contacted head coach Sue Vodicka about trying out. She responded and said she was always looking for good players and wanted me to try out.”

Kelley, who had not played club soccer, sent Vodicka tapes, but only had three years of soccer experience. Vodicka told Kelley to train during the first semester, become more fit and try out in the spring.

Kelley focused on her academics and her fitness. Along the way, some of the student-athletes from the women’s soccer team helped her. Any time there was an opportunity to play with members of the squad, Kelley went for it. Although it was an intimidating experience, Kelley continued to work hard and push forward in order to reach her goal.

Midway through the spring semester, Kelley got the opportunity for her tryout.

“It was tough,” Kelley said. “I realized how good the team was compared to where I had played. I tried as hard as I could. Later that week, Coach Vodicka told me I had made the team.

“For me, it was huge. I never thought I’d be on a collegiate team. It taught me to never take anything for granted. Every practice and match was a learning experience. Once I learned that I would be playing forward, I watched Megan Smits and Alex Cohen to get some more insight on the position. Watching Hannah Allison compete once she transferred in was also huge as someone I looked up to and learned from as a forward.”

Once on the team, Kelley played the underdog role. She wasn’t as fit as she should have been since there is a difference to being “soccer fit.” She did not have a lot of technical skills, but Kelley continued to gain knowledge of the concepts at the forward position. Every break the team had, she would continue to work to get better.

“Each year, I improved,” Kelley stated. “When we returned from each break, people commented on how much I improved. They saw how hard I worked. However, I didn’t have much of an impact in matches.

“I was passionate about the game and wanted to be better, but it takes hours upon hours to get better and be where I needed to be.”

Heading into her junior year, Kelley noticed her role on the team was changing. Part of that was due to her effort. She always maintained a positive attitude and respected everyone, whether it was teammates or coaches. Everyone also respected her – on the field and in life due to her positive outlook.

During her junior year, Kelley recorded her first two career points with a goal in the win over Georgia Southwestern.  

“It was really exciting for me,” Kelley said. “Scoring that goal led me to work even harder. I knew I could put a goal in the back of the net. The goal motivated me last summer to improve. It made me realize I’m capable of playing at this level.”

Off the field, Kelley’s hard work with a great attitude was rewarded as she picked up the Female Student-Athlete Sportsmanship Award.

“Before preseason this year, I had no idea where I’d stand,” Kelley stated. “We had a new coach, but I knew my role before. No matter how hard I worked, I would always be a sub. I had accepted it, but I still worked hard for this year. I figured I’d be a sub, but I could go in and make an impact – and that was my mindset heading into the season. “

Her hard work and determination paid off as her teammates voted her as one of the captains (along with Smits and Jenna Beauregard). Head coach Hilary George inserted her in the starting line-up for the match at Pfeiffer and she has not left it since. However, it wasn’t without doubt.

“I wasn’t sure if Coach George was trying things out or if she meant to have me starting,” Kelley said. “I didn’t have a lot of confidence as a starter, but then I scored a goal against Pfeiffer. It proved that hard work pays off.

“I eventually talked to Coach George and she told me that I was starting for a reason. That gave me a lot of confidence knowing she believes I can make an impact on the team.”

For Kelley, realizing a dream of playing a sport on the collegiate level and scoring have been achieved.

“My varsity volleyball coach and men’s soccer coach growing up encouraged me to grow and play soccer. Without their help and the support of my family and friends, I couldn’t be where I am today.”

Kelley isn’t about having a “me first” attitude. The hard work helped her achieve those goals, but she and the Pacers are working hard towards realizing other goals.

Kelley already made a profound impact on the team, but she wants the entire team to share in the experience.

She is determined to leave her legacy and it will be one that is tough to beat. From being talked into playing a sport to walking onto a team, Kelley’s hard work and determination have paid off. Needless to say, Kelley has given her all to her teammates, coach and the sport of soccer. She has definitely succeeded not only as a Pacer, but also in life.