As one of the best to have stepped into the pitcher’s circle, Connolly cemented herself as one of the most dominant pitchers in Augustana softball history. Her 99 complete games still sit first in the record books, along with the fourth lowest ERA in school history at 1.14. Throughout Kelly’s career, she tallied 88 wins (31 by shutout), was named to the All-Region team three times (1st in ’99-’00 & 2nd in ’98) and twice the All-NCC (1st in 2000 & Honorable Mentioned in 1998). A two-time team captain, she was also recognized as Pitcher of the Week in April, 2000. Augustana never missed the NCAA tournament while Kelly wore the Viking uniform.
Connolly credits her sophomore season (1998) as one her most memorable.
“Pitching in the NCAA Division II National Tournament was a fun year with a supportive and talented team”, Kelly stated. “Coach (Sandy) Jerstad always made dreams a reality.”
Outside of athletics, the St. Paul, Minnesota, native recognized Professor Jaciel Keltgen as someone that influenced her during her time on the Augustana campus.
“I took Professor Keltgen’s marketing class and remembered how fun it was and how it opened my eyes to the business world. She put the application into practice, we developed marketing plans and really made marketing /business practical into today’s life. I learned so much from having her as a professor.”
After her graduation from Augustana in 2000, Connolly was inducted into the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame in 2008. She resides in Burnsville, Minnesota, with her husband, Jordan, also a 2000 Augustana alum, with their four children: Zach (18), Sidney (17), Miley (13) and Carley (13). Kelly is currently employed with Automatic Data Processing, Inc., as a Client Relationship Executive and has been recognized by ADP, Inc., as both an Emerging leader (2017) and Service MVP (2018). She also serves as the Burnsville Fastpitch Commissioner. Her volunteer efforts include: Parent volunteer for Burnsville Hockey, Baseball & Fastpitch; Hosanna Church in Lakeville, MN.; HireHeoroes, USA (non-profit organization helping veterans obtain work in the workforce).
