Kelly went to high school in a small town in Minnesota, where they did not have an Athletic Trainer. As a result, athletes sat on the sideline for a few games following an injury. It wasn’t until college, where she played softball for Rochester Community Technical College, that she experienced the benefit of an Athletic Trainer. This time, after experiencing another injury, she could still perform exercises and practice with the team. It was an uplifting experience, and Kelly knew she wanted to pass that along to athletes at the high school level so they didn’t have to stop playing the sports they love.
After getting her liberal arts degree at RCTC, Kelly graduated with her Bachelor’s of Athletic Training Degree at Minnesota State University in Mankato. She worked as an athletic trainer in Redwood Falls, MN before earning her Master’s Degree in Advanced Athletic Training at NDSU in Fargo. Kelly is also a Certified Orthopedic Technician (OTC) with specialized training in orthopedics and sports medicine, including casting, splinting, and bracing.
Kelly has been an athletic trainer since 2013 and joined GRHS in the fall of 2021. She enjoyed three plus years as the Athletic Trainer for Minnewaska Area High School in Glenwood, before moving away to be closer to family. Kelly feels like she’s coming home and returned to the area in October 2026.