Francis Marion University Athletics

FMU:  2-year returning letterwinner....Conference Carolinas Fall Academic All-Conference Team 2022....Played in all 32 matches during the NCAA Tournament season of 2021....6th on the team in both digs and service aces....Played in 13 of 14 matches during covid-shortened 2020 season (made one start)....Gained valuable experience as a freshman....Averaged 1.49 digs per set....Fourth on the team in serve receptions....Possesses some of the best traits seen in a DS/libero in her recruiting class....A tenacious go-getter....Leaves everything out on the court....Is a great teammate and has understood her role on any team she has been a member of.....Her commitment to Francis Marion feels like it is too good to be true....Played club ball for K2, easily recognized as one of the better clubs in the Southeast...Will brings in a lot of training and volleyball IQ that will give her the opportunity to compete right away....A fierce competitor....Good ball control....Grasps the family motto....Division II ADA Academic Achievement Award 2022....Peach Belt Conference Presidential Honor Roll 2021....FMU Swamp Fox Athletic-Academic Honor Roll 2020 (fall), 2021 (spring, fall), 2022 (spring, fall), 2023 (spring)....Conference Carolinas Presidential Honor Roll 2022 (spring, fall)....Member of the Pre-Vet Club.

PERSONAL:

• Born Keely Braxton Mclain in Maryville, TN
• A graduate of Maryville High School, where she played for coach Angel Babelay
• Helped Maryville to a 31-8 record this year, including winning the Blount County championship and the District championship
• As a senior, registered 310 digs for a 3.2 digs per set average
• Career totals include 626 digs, 58 assists and 29 services aces over three seasons
• 2-time All-District selection
• Served as her team’s captain in 2017 and 2018
• Voted one of Knoxville’s Top Players to Watch in 2017
• Also played for coach Jason Hames on the K2 Jota 18 Elite travel squad
• Nickname is Keke or Keeks

PERSONAL FAVORITES:

• As a child what you wanted to be when you grew up:  Veterinarian. 
• How you got your nickname: My little brother started calling me Keke when he was little so it always stuck
• Favorite Superhero: Spiderman
• Favorite Athlete:  Kelsey Robinson
• Favorite Sports Team:  University of Tennessee football
• Favorite Movie or TV Show:   The Office
• Favorite Food:  Any kind of potato 
• Favorite Vacation Spot:  Disney 
• Favorite Musical Artist: Kanye West
• Favorite Thing About FMU:  I love the family atmosphere that all of the athletes have with each other
• Favorite Off-Field/court Activity:  Playing with my dog
• Goals for Upcoming Season:  I want to win another conference championship and return to the NCAA tournament and make the Elite 8
• Why you first choose your sport: When I first started volleyball, I just instantly fell in love and knew I wanted to play for as long as possible
• Biggest mental challenge in your sport: Having confidence in myself that I deserve to be where I am at because of how hard I have worked
• Interesting Notes:  I don't have a uvula which is pretty weird
• Brush With Greatness:  Having the best roomies ever; Kaylee Gillespie and Lexi Albright