Mia Kelly signs her letter of intent for Salt Lake Community College. (CHAT News Photo/Bob Schneider)

By Chris Brown

High competition

Hat softball player signs letter of intent with Salt Lake Community College

Nov 16, 2020 | 11:59 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – One of Medicine Hat’s top softball players is headed south to continue chasing her dreams.

Mia Kelly signed a letter of intent last week with Salt Lake Community College, a top Division 1 Junior College in the U.S. The college has been to National Junior College Athletic Association nationals in eight of the past 10 seasons and has four runner-up finishes.

“I think that their competition level is probably the thing that attracted me the most because they’re very high competition and they play Div 1 schools,” said Kelly. “Even though I’m Div 1 JUCO (junior college) we play NCAA Div 1 schools, which I like the competition.”

Kelly, who has won MHMSA high school and Medicine Hat Thunder player of the year honours, is a pitcher but can also play anywhere in the field. She can throw six different pitches and says she’s confident in each one.

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At SLCC she’ll work toward goals on and off the field.

“My ultimate goal is to play D1 in the end and become a teacher,” she said.

Kelly’s coach says she can do anything she wants.

“Mia has a great work ethic, her passion for the sport is undeniable,” said Dianna Jordison. “She strives for the best and she always puts her best foot forward every single practice and every game.”

Kelly also hopes she inspires young girls to pick up a ball, glove and bat as well.