St. Mary’s freshman volleyball outside hitter Meghan Kelley is a sociology and history major with a minor in educational studies, with aspirations of pursuing teaching and coaching careers in her future. INTRODUCING … Meghan Kelley. 

Briefly, what is your background in the sport you play?​

I’ve played volleyball the past eight years. I stopped playing after my senior year high school season because I wasn’t sure if I wanted to play in college or not. After I took a break, I realized how much I missed it and worked hard to start playing again. I was a four-year varsity player and two-year captain for my high school team.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?​

I’m (unofficially) majoring in sociology and history with a minor in educational studies. I want to become a social science or history teacher at the high school level. The most important things I’ve learned while involved in these studies have been in my sociology classes regarding cultures and our own society.

What is your favorite spot on campus (and why)?​

My favorite spot here on campus is the waterfront where I can sit on the docks and see the sunset.

Outside of your home and campus, where is your favorite place visit (and why)?​

I’ve grown up spending time on the Eastern Shore with friends and family on summer breaks. This is my favorite place to visit because I feel at home there and have a lot of memories about past summers.

Other than your team, what organization(s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)?​

I participate in Best Buddies of Maryland where students support peers with special needs or disabilities. In the past, I’ve worked one-on-one with special needs students as a “peer buddy”.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career.

My most memorable experience so far is playing against teams in California and adjusting to new techniques. I’ve learned a lot of new things that I’m trying to quickly adjust to since a lot is different (position, technique, coaching) from my past volleyball experience.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life (and why)?​

As a female athlete, I see and admire how other female athletes go about their athletic careers. Dawn Staley is an influence on my life because she took all of her success and accomplishments and is now sharing them with others by coaching. That is definitely something I see in my future. I won’t come anywhere near as successful as Staley but I hope to take what I’ve learned in all my years of playing volleyball and share that with the athletes I end up coaching.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students (and why)?

I think the biggest societal issue facing college students is student debt. Not all students are lucky enough to be able to afford tuition and other costs on their own or even with the help of their families. I think this issue needs to be better addressed because, unfortunately, I’ve been able to see how student debt and high tuition costs affect students and families.

What is your favorite form of entertainment (and why)?​

My favorite form of entertainment is watching sports and supporting my favorite teams such as the Ravens, Orioles, and Mets.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?​

I would tell them to learn as much as possible and challenge themselves in school while still maintaining healthy relationships with your family, friends, and teachers.

Outside of the CAC, who or what is your favorite sports person or team (and why)?​

My favorite sports team is the Ravens because of the leadership and hard work Ray Lewis showed on and off the field.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with (and why)?​

1. Aristotle, to learn more about his views on philosophy and his teaching skills.

2. Gandhi, because of his leadership and dedications towards a civil movement.

3. Vincent Van Gogh, because of his success and emotion he showed through his art, despite his lack of wealth and fame during his lifetime.