SPANISH FORT, Ala. – Spanish Fort outfielder Amie Kelly signed Jan. 4 to play softball for Auburn University of Montgomery.

Having been on every starting varsity lineup since the seventh grade, the veteran Lady Toro standout will begin her sixth season as a starter next month.

Spanish Fort girls athletic director George Brown said Kelly has been an example for others on and off the field.

“Amie has put in a lot years being a great student as well as a great athlete,” he said. “She really shows how hard work pays off. We're all very proud of her and her dedication to Spanish Fort High School.”

Kelly hit for a .365 batting average last year, collected 35 hits (six doubles and a home run), drove in 17 runs, added 10 stolen bases and defensively established a .960 fielding percentage.

“I was looking for somewhere close to home and I really like the coaches,” Kelly said about choosing AUM. “I would say that the coaching staff was really the main factor in my decision.”

Playing since the age of five, Kelly said playing college ball and maybe at the Olympic level were heartfelt dreams.

“I wanted to play in college since I was little and in the Olympics, too. But they don't have it in the Olympics anymore. But, I'm excited to be going to AUM.”

She also said there were many to thank for helping that dream come true.

“I have to thank my first softball coach ever, Tim Patton. He taught me so much and I owe a lot to him. And also my parents and my summer coach Derek Walters. Couldn't have done it without them, too.”

The daughter of Greg and Laurie Kelly of Spanish Fort, Amie plans to enter the pre-dental program and eventually study pediatric dentistry.

AUM head coach Chris Steiner Wilcoxson who played high school ball at Robertsdale High said Kelly has been on the recruiting radar for quite a while.

“I've been watching her a lot for the last couple of years when I could, especially in the summers. And being from this area, I hear a lot from people in the sport. And Amie is just a really good recruit. We're happy she wants to come and play with us.

“We feel like Amie can fill some roles for us. We're graduating five outfielders in the next couple of years and we look for her to be able to step in to fill some big holes. We need her speed and athleticism. Some one who can play well against good competition and she has been playing at an advanced level. I also keep my eyes open for players from this area and want to help kids down here whenever I can to play college ball. We really think Amie will be a great player for us.”

Justin Moore who coached the Lady Toros last year said among Kelly's many talents were her leadership skills which were key.

“Most proud of that for her,” he said. “She really took on the role of leader and, by example, led us all year as a junior.”

Incoming SF softball coach Sean Womack, who will lead the Lady Toros' this season, also said Kelly's leadership already has and will help him through the transition.

“I know what kind of person she is because I know her parents and how she was raised. And it shows also what an outstanding individual she is because she has been voted to be one of our captains this year."

The daughter of Greg and Laurie Kelly of Spanish Fort, Amie plans to enter the pre-dental program at AUM and eventually study pediatric dentistry.

The Lady Senators were ranked 23rd in a recent 2011 NAIA softball coaches' preseason poll. AUM earned 148 points in the poll and are one of seven Southern States Athletic Conference teams to crack the top 25.

The Lady Senators finished the 2010 season with a school-record 38 victories (38-16-1 overall).