West Point, G.A. (Paul Kirby) – Lexington’s own Kelsey Turner rang in the new year ready to take her volleyball skills from the high school to the collegiate level. Kelsey was signed by the Point University Seahawks in West Point, Georgia to continue honing her volleyball skills. Slated to graduate Lexington High School this year, Kelsey was flanked by her parents Julius Turner and Jennifer DuBose and stepmom Faith Turner as she signed to play for the Point.
In the university’s online newsletter found at www.pointskyhawks.com, Women’s Volleyball Coach Joe Herrera had nothing but praise for Kelsey, a 6’-1” right side hitter who will begin her college career as a member of the 2020-21 team. Kelsey, who will graduate Lexington High School this spring, was just what Coach Herrera was looking for in a player. “She is exactly the type of athletes that we want in our program, she is a hard worker, very coachable and has team first attitude," Herrera said after the signing.
The article in the school’s news said that Kelsey is also an outstanding student and is very involved in the community. She received the Allan Whitacre Academic Award and has served as the Wildcat’s team captain this season. She had a total of 172 kills, 26 blocks, and a .270 hitting percentage.
Kelsey’s record playing for Lexington is remarkable. In 2017, Kelsey was named the Wildcat’s Invitational MVP and Offensive MVP and is a three times Wildcat Invitational Champion. She was on the Palmetto Region All Region Team three times, and in 2018 she was a Lower State Finalist (38-8). Then in 2018-19 she played with the Wildcats as they became the Region 5 5A Champions. She was also there in 2019 when they became the Lower State Champions and State Runner Ups (35-8). In 2017, Kelsey also participated in track and field, and was one of two that qualified for region in discus.
Kelsey attends Lake Murray Baptist Church. She is a leader for Fellowship for Christian Athletes at Lexington High School and has been for several years. She also coached at a youth volleyball camp for eight weeks in 2018-19 and volunteered at the family shelterin Columbia. Along with helping at the shelter, Kelsey helped organize the Family of Highway Fatalities events. She’s helped raise money for Relay for Life and made and donated blankets for wheelchair bound senior citizens at an assisted living center.
The article from the school’s news went on to say that after choosing Point University to continue her academic career and joining the volleyball team, Kelsey made a statement explaining why she chose to be a Skyhawk. "I chose Point University because I was looking for a Christian university where I could further my academic and athletic career. When I visited campus, I fell in love with the family environment and the academic opportunities that the university offered. I also got to talk to the Head Coach Joe Herrera and was inspired by his philosophies of being a good teammate and giving 110% all the time. I am super excited to try and go 1-0 everyday while at Point University!"
