A release from Jackson Hole High Schools reports that Kelly Burns, a junior at Jackson Hole High School, announced that she would be playing volleyball under a full scholarship for North Carolina State University in the fall of 2009. The 6’ left handed setter has been the cornerstone of her high school varsity and club teams for the past 3 years. “She has unlimited potential,” said Sean Shockley, Jackson Hole High School Activities Director and Kelly’s varsity basketball coach. “She has the desire and determination to grow. She has a lot of skills to offer NC State right now, but more importantly, has the potential of becoming an outstanding player at a Division 1 level.”

After watching game footage of Kelly, Rita Stubbs must have seen this, too. Stubbs, the Head Coach at NC State, saw Burns play at a tournament in Jackson Hole a month ago. She also had her former head coach at the University of Arizona watch Kelly at a major tournament in Denver earlier this year when Stubbs was unable to attend.

As a player, Kelly has proven to be outstanding. Chosen as the “Player of the Week” several times and receiving the Wyoming High School Activities Association Good Sportsmanship Award, she has earned the respect of her teammates as well as her opponents. She is very versatile, athletic, and extremely coachable. Last year, Burns was named WY 3A All-State and All-Conference as well as featured in Volleyball Magazine Scholar Athlete of the Month and Wyoming Wonder. Her understanding of the game allows her to anticipate and get in the proper setting position early. As a person, Kelly displays all the intangibles that are hard to teach. She is dedicated to the game, aggressive in her approach to conditioning and play, as well as confident when the pressure is on. She is a team leader and is constantly working to improve her skills.

Burns had to pick volleyball over swimming and basketball, something she had done for five years prior to high school. “It wasn’t that tough of a choice,” she said. “I enjoyed swimming and playing basketball, but I knew volleyball was going to be a better sport for me.” According to Shockley, “she has one of the best set of hands I’ve ever seen…both on the volleyball and basketball court. She has really soft hands and great setting placement.. Kelly consistently puts the ball where it needs to be.”

With the recruiting process over, Burns no longer has to worry about impressing college scouts or applying to schools across the nation. “She knows where she’s going and has her goals set,” Shockley said. “By committing to NC State, she has partially fulfilled that goal. With some of the pressures off, we look forward to a great senior year for Kelly at JHHS in volleyball and basketball. NC State is lucky to have her.”