Head Coach Laurie Kelly Honored by Alma Mater
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Northern
Arizona women’s basketball head coach Laurie Kelly was
recognized by the University of St. Thomas in a publication
celebrating the most influential people in the university’s
125-year history. St. Thomas Magazine highlighted Kelly on its list
of the “Twelve Tommies Who Have Defined Us.”
Kelly was selected among a group of 125 individuals “who
represent the best St. Thomas has to offer.” The list
included faculty, staff, alumni and other influential people who
have passed through St. Thomas, a four-year Catholic institution in
St. Paul, Minn.
“It almost brings you to tears,” said Kelly of the
honor. “First off, you are so humbled and honored by it. The
experiences I had at St. Thomas were so positive. I met lifelong
best friends, received a tremendous education, and had an
outstanding athletic experience.”
While at the University of St. Thomas, Laurie Kelly, formerly
Laurie Trow, assembled one the most decorated careers in Division
III women’s basketball history. According to St. Thomas
Magazine, Kelly “drew more attention to women’s
athletics at St. Thomas than anyone else since undergraduate
coeducation began in 1977.”
Kelly left St. Thomas in 1993 as a three-time Kodak All-American,
set numerous school and Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic
Conference (MIAC) records, and led the Tommies to a Division III
National Championship during the 1990-91 season.
“I always believe fate works in strange ways and what was
meant for me really came about,” Kelly said. “From a
playing perspective, people have always asked me, ‘Why would
you go to a Division III school?’ Back then and looking at
what my choices were, it was the right fit for me. I am so proud to
be part of that institution.”
Kelly is in her seventh season as the NAU women's basektball head coach. The Lumberjacks will open the 2009-10 season on Friday, November 6 at 6:30 p.m. in an exhibition game against New Mexico Highlands.
