Makenzie Kelly ’21 never imagined her dream of being a student-athlete would one day evolve into helping lead the next generation of national athletes. But through unexpected turns and unwavering support, she’s discovered that every path—no matter how winding—can lead to purpose.
Originally from Columbus, Makenzie was drawn to Ashland University for its strong soccer program, reputable academics and proximity to home. “When Coach Danny Krispinksi recruited me, it felt like a heart-to-heart connection,” she recalls. “He made Ashland feel like the right place—and it was.”
Makenzie began at Ashland as a student-athlete and double-majored in sport management and marketing, ultimately graduating a semester early. Though a hamstring injury ended her playing career early, her time with the women’s soccer team shaped her deeply. “It made me a better leader, a better student and just a better person,” she says.
Her experience extended far beyond the field. She was active in FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), completed multiple internships—including one with the Columbus Crew—and credits professors like Lance Kaltenbaugh and Ken Brubaker for preparing her for life beyond college. “They didn’t just teach us content—they cared,” Makenzie says. “They invested in us.”
This investment paid off. After graduation, Makenzie accepted an internship with USA Baseball in North Carolina, where she now serves as Baseball Operations Coordinator, overseeing logistics for the women’s and collegiate national teams. “I like to describe it as being a ‘baseball mom’ for our teams,” she laughs. “From booking flights to arranging meals, I make sure our athletes are supported so they can focus on performance.”
Her passion for mentoring is rooted in her own experience. Raised in a sports-focused family—her father worked in baseball scouting for decades and her cousin, Brian Peters, played in the NFL—Makenzie saw firsthand how grit, persistence and relationships make all the difference. “My cousin’s path to the NFL wasn’t easy,” she says. “Watching him push through setbacks taught me that work ethic is everything.”
At Ashland, it was people like her professors, teammates, mentors and even community members—like Aubrey Bates at Rise Studios —who helped her find clarity and confidence. “Aubrey was like a mentor,” she says. “My parents weren’t always there, but she was someone I could lean on, not a teammate or a friend, but an adult who helped guide me while I was at Ashland.”
Makenzie now gets to offer this same kind of support to young athletes across the country and the world. From local training events to international tournaments, she helps athletes forge friendships and pursue gold medals. “It’s full circle,” she says. “I get to build the kind of team culture I experienced at Ashland—one rooted in support, trust and genuine relationships.”
When asked what she hopes others take from her story, she’s quick to answer: “It’s all about the people. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people who poured into me. And now, I get to pay that forward.”
