Kelly Renie – Newest Member of the US Women’s National Team
Kelly displayed a natural ability for sports and passion for competition at a very young age. She began playing recreational soccer at age 9. Shortly thereafter she joined the Carmel Cosmos II of the Carmel United Soccer Club. Undefeated in state competition the Cosmos captured 9 consecutive state championships. Kelly also played two years for Carmel High School and led the Greyhounds in scoring her senior year en route to the State Championship.
Ready to take her game to the next level, Kelly decided to attend the University of Mississippi and play soccer under head coach Steve Holeman. The summer prior to arriving at Ole Miss Kelly tore her left ACL while playing with the Cosmos and was unable to play for the rebels in her true freshman season and was red-shirted. Kelly made a full recovery and joined the team again in the spring. In the following season, "Renie" as her teammates called her, was named SEC Freshman of the Year and led the Rebels to their first NCAA tournament. Two games into Kelly’s sophomore season she would tear her right ACL and be forced to rehab for the remainder of the season. After bouncing back from her second ACL surgery, Kelly was named to the SEC All-tournament team the very next seasons and later the Rebels went on to win in the SEC- West Championship her junior season. Renie received a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA for medical hardship. Upon completion of her collegiate career with the Rebels, Kelly ranked in the top 5 for career total points and goals scored.
When not on the field, Kelly hit the books and garnered SEC Academic Honor Roll and UMAA Honor Roll numerous times throughout her college career. She graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2006 with a B.S. in Criminal Justice.
For the last two summers Kelly has played semi-pro soccer for the Atlanta Silverbacks out of Atlanta, Georgia and the Memphis Mercury in Tennessee.
"After finishing up my athletic eligibility at Ole Miss, I decided that I wanted to find a new sport that I felt I could compete in and enjoy. For as long as I can remember athletics have always been a huge part of my life and I didn’t want that to end simply because my collegiate career was over. One day seemingly out of the blue, my college coach asked me if I had heard from the US Women’s Team Handball coach. I laughed thinking it was a joke since I had never even heard of a sport called handball. He then told me that it was not a joke and that I would be receiving a phone call. A few weeks later I got the call and agreed to tryout. I arrived not really knowing what to expect, as far as what the game required or what the coaches were looking for. The tryouts were difficult as I had anticipated, but I enjoyed learning the game. After the tryout I was invited to join the team. I was honored to receive the invitation, as it is nearly every athlete's dream to make a National team and to be able to represent their country.”
Kelly's quick speed, strong arm, intense competitive spirit, and relentless work ethic both on and off the court should prove to be valuable assets for the Women's Handball Team. When not out on the fields of friendly strife, Kelly enjoys time with her family, friends, and 4 year old lab Maggie. Renie's passions also include coaching, music, the Indianapolis Colts, putt putt golf, movies, and Starbucks coffee.