Kelley named seventh Army ROTC Athletic Achievement Award recipient | People

Auburn Montgomery senior shortstop Branden Kelley has been selected the seventh recipient of the AUM Army ROTC Athletic Achievement Award for his accomplishments on the field, in the classroom and in the community.

Criteria for the Army ROTC Athletic Achievement Award includes being certified for eligibility and involved in participation of a varsity sport; performance on the field or court during the previous two weeks; contributions to the team's success through their individual leadership skills, their commitment to teamwork, their extra effort during practice and their demonstration of sportsmanship; and performance off the field of play, including academic success, character and exemplary community outreach.

“Branden’s intensity, combined with his never-quit attitude, has had a great impact on our younger players,” assistant coach Clay Booth said. “He has been a huge part of this team’s success with his leadership on the field and off. Along with his leadership, he has stepped up in numerous situations and come through with the big hit.”

During the past two weeks, Kelley has helped the Warhawks to a 6-2 record, including a series victory against Southern States Athletic Conference foe Loyola. He posted a .524 batting average, a .619 on-base percentage and scored five runs. He also walked once and recorded a double.

Academically, Kelley graduated in the fall of 2012 with a 3.25 grade point average in accounting and is currently enrolled in graduate courses. In addition, Kelley is the Vice President of the AUM Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Within the community, he recently participated in an outreach activity with the Alabama Wildlife Federation, where he helped with draining of a pond, recovering the fish and transporting them to another pond. He also put line on rods and reels and got them ready for future campers.

Along with Kelley, Psachal Maize (women’s basketball), Katie Spain (softball) and Josh Reason (men’s tennis) were also nominated for the award.

Source: AUM Sports Information Director