By Charles Prince

The North Jefferson News



Former Gardendale High Lady Rocket volleyball player Kelly Ingram has been named the Gulf South Conference Eastern Division Volleyball Player of the Week.

Ingram had 37 kills last week, as the Lady Chargers topped Lee University and Valdosta State, before falling to No. 25-ranked West Florida.

The 6-foot-1 junior had been selected on the pre-season All-Conference team.

“This award helps to back up that selection,” Ingram said. “When I was selected to the pre-season All-Conference team, I wanted to go out and have a great year. I’m excited and surprised to be named Player of the Week.

“There are a lot of great players in our conference, so winning this award is really special for me.”

During her sophomore season at UAH, she led the club with 384 kills. She also contributed 93 digs and 50 blocks.

Kelly was a four-year member of the varsity at Gardendale. She won several awards during her high school career, including Birmingham News North/East Player of the Year, The North Jefferson News 2004 Player of the Year, Birmingham Kiwanis Club Player of the Year, Gardendale Athlete of the Year, First team All-State, Jefferson County Tournament MVP, AVCA All-State First team, Super 12 Metro team, Birmingham News Player of the Week, and Birmingham News Scholar Athlete of the Week.

She earned Gardendale’s “Best Offensive Player Award” for two years. Kelly also earned first team All-Metro honors three years. She concluded her career by earning a spot on the Alabama North/South All-Star team.

In her senior year at Gardendale High, Kelly averaged 13.2 kills per match, while leading the Lady Rockets to the Elite Eight.

Ingram also had 89 blocks, 268 digs and 104 aces. She finished her prep career with more than 1,700 kills.

She helped the Lady Rockets to two appearances in the state tournament, first during her sophomore and then again as a senior.

Editor’s note – UAH sports information department contributed to this report.