by Jack Jackson
Daily Lobo
Head coach Kit Vela said senior Kaela Kelly is one of the most athletic players on the UNM women's soccer team.
"She is a tremendous athlete," Vela said. "She needed to clean up some of her game, but athletically she's outstanding."
Kelly had three shots to lead the team in the Lobos' 1-0 loss to Purdue on Sunday.
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This season, there may be pressure for the veterans on the team to perform well. Seven players on the roster are seniors.
Although this is the last chance for Kelly and the seniors, the team is focused on the short term, Vela said.
"The season is going well," Vela said. "We are just trying to concentrate on it right now and not worry about the loss of players that is happening later."
Kelly has been a big part of the season so far, scoring the game-winning goal against Canisius College in the Lobos' season opener.
Kelly said scoring that goal was thrilling.
"You feel all the adrenaline from all the hard work that gets put into it, and it's important to just keep your focus," she said.
Vela said Kelly has what it takes to come through in clutch situations.
"Kaela is very determined and competitive," Vela said. "She will do anything to win the game."
Kelly plans to continue her soccer career and to try to play professionally, she said. She's also interested in traveling and playing in other countries, she said.
Kelly said she wants to some day pursue a medical career, too.
"I want to do it all - try to go overseas to play post-collegiate and then to be a nurse and a personal trainer," Kelly said.
Her main goal is to concentrate on having a great season before she leaves UNM, she said.
Sports have always played a big part in Kelly's life, she said.
"My brothers ride motocross, and my family has always been involved in sports from rodeo to baseball to volleyball and cross country - just very athletically oriented all together," she said.
Kelly is confident in her team and its ability to win games, she said.
"Our skill and talent is just unbelievable," Kelly said. "When we can play together, no one can stop us. The work rate is unbelievable. Anyone would fall in love with the girls on the team. I've learned stuff from the team every single day."
Kelly said soccer plays a huge part in her life, and she is glad she gets to live out her dream at UNM.
"It's a very touchy subject for me," Kelly said. "It's more personal than anything. It's somewhere I can put my heart. It makes me appreciate life more. I am just taking advantage of the gift that God gave me."
