AMERICUS, Ga. (WALB) - Southland Academy celebrated another student athlete signing Wednesday afternoon as Isabel Kelley committed to Lee University.

Kelley is one of the most decorated Raider athletes and joins the 2% of high school runners who advance to compete at the college level.

Kelley is the GIAA state record holder in the 800 and 1600 meter run. She is also the two-time state champion in the 800, the state champion in the 1600 and the 2-A state champion in cross country.

“I’m just so grateful to be here. I started track career years ago and never had any idea or any expectation that I would take it farther than high school,” Kelley said. “I just was grateful to make it on the high school team. So, just so grateful to be able to have this opportunity to go to college and to run for such an amazing school with coaches that I just loved and clicked with and a team that I already am so excited to be able to join.”

Kelley said Lee University’s Christian foundation influenced her decision.

“Lee University was just such a school based on godly principles. It’s a Christian school and just the community and the way the coaches love on the kids and how everyone is just cheering each other on was something that I knew I wanted because that’s what I had here at Southland,” she said.

Kelley reflected on her success this season.

“I have these last couple of weeks just been able to look back and reflect on my high school season and this season especially. And honestly, I just know that none of this was because of me and all just because of the Lord,” she said. “That’s where I found the most success is when I run for the Lord and put my worth and identity into Him.”

Kelley credited her father as her first track coach and said he has coached her through mental blocks and injuries. She said her mother has been her biggest supporter.

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