CYPRESS, CA – Cypress College softball standout, Kellee Ross, officially accepted a scholarship offer from NAIA Midway University (KY) on Friday. Ross was a member of the Chargers' 2017 undefeated state championship team and the starting catcher for the 2018 team that reached the state semi-final.
Ross suffered a season ending injury during the 2017 season, where Cypress finished 48-0 capped off by the ninth state title in program history, before putting up big numbers for the Chargers in 2018. "My injury was a blessing in disguise. We had the best season ever, and I wanted to be more a part of that. It made me fall in love with the game again, having to watch our team play. It lit a fire under me and that's why I think I had such a good season last year," Ross explained.
The Kennedy High School alumna started at catcher for Cypress last season, batting .402 with 46 RBI and 5 HR. Her most memorable performance came in the state tournament game against El Camino, where she finished 3-for-4 with 3 RBI and 2 HR in an elimination game. Her second homer gave the Chargers a one-run lead in the seventh and propelled them on to the state semi-final.
Both Ross and Coach Brad Pickler believe she's ready to make an impact immediately at the four-year level next season. "Coach Brad has been doing this for so long that he made it feel like a four-year program. He was hard on us, but I'm glad that I had a coach like that because he prepared us for what coaches are going to expect from us," said Ross.
"I want to continue being a leader on the field and pick up where I left off last season, maybe even be a little better. I believe my new coach has a lot of trust in me and wants me to start at catcher next season," Ross added.
The 2018 All-Orange Empire Conference Second Team selection plans to major in marketing with an emphasis in graphic design at Midway University this spring. She would like to pursue a career in designing video games upon graduation.
Stay connected with the Chargers through social media. Follow Cypress College Athletics on Twitter @CypressChargers. Check in with the Chargers on Facebook/CypressChargers and on Instagram @CypressChargers.