Kelly Horne has stellar career

Rick Patrick and Halie Wetherington
ECB Publishing, Inc.

When looking at record stats for the Troy University Trojans, one name will certainly strike a familiar tone for Jefferson County citizens. Kelly Horne has made the most of her time playing softball for the Trojans and has left an indelible mark on the story of Trojan softball, both on the diamond and in the classroom.
Horne graduated from Aucilla Christian Academy (ACA) in 2017 and began her college softball career that same year, in the fall.
During her Trojan career, Horne has been a consistent threat, especially at the plate. In her junior season, in 2022, she had one of the best seasons in the history of Trojan softball. That season, she led the team in batting average (.353), homers (14), RBIs (28), slugging percentage (.729), on-base percentage (.530, which broke her own record of .495, set the season before) and walks (44). That year, she ranked 18th nationwide in on-base percentage. Over her Trojan career, she had a batting average of .324, with 131 RBIs and 32 home runs. Horne’s career on-base percentage is .471. She had a career fielding percentage of .968, primarily playing second base for the Trojans.
Horne was granted another year of eligibility due to COVID happening in 2020, shortening her season. All collegiate athletes who were playing during this time were allowed that year of eligibility back, should they choose to take it, similar to a redshirt year. Horne also had a medical redshirt year after getting injured, giving her a total of six years in which she had the opportunity to play collegiate softball. After utilizing all six years of eligibility, she has not only broken several records and made an impact in her sport, but she has also graduated with her master's degree in Sports Management.
“The Lord truly blessed me with such a great softball career,” stated Horne. “When I look back, of course, I remember the big hits, diving plays and important wins. But I am even more thankful for the people the Lord placed in my life and all the experiences along the way. To all the young girls out there, dream big, work hard and the sky is the limit!”
Kelly is the daughter of Kevin and Nicole Horne, and her family is beyond proud of all that she has accomplished, but they are more proud of the person that she has become.