“I felt God leading me in the direction to come to Judson, that, and He gave me the opportunity to play college basketball,” says Kelly Patton, a Junior and athlete at Judson.

 Having grown up in Grove Hill, Ala., Kelly discovered a love for sports as a child, particularly basketball and has been an athlete for as long as she can remember. But, running closely with her love of sports was her love for sharing the word of Christ. Then, Kelly discovered Judson, a place where she could combine both playing basketball and building relationships with people through her love of Christ.

 Since coming to Judson, Kelly has been selected as team captain of the basketball team, as well as, devotion leader. Possessing an outgoing personality with a love for getting to know new people, Kelly is also involved in Campus Ministries, is a Leading and Mentoring Peer (LAMP) for new freshmen and is the treasurer for the senior class.

 “My professors are very personal and willing to help with anything I need,” says Kelly.  “Their doors are always open.  In my Religion classes, I have written many papers that have helped me better understand God and Christianity.”

 In May of 2009, Kelly had shoulder surgery – a type of surgery that her doctor told her only 15 percent of patients recover from fully.  But Kelly, determined to be in that 15 percent, attended physical therapy three times a week during her summer vacation.

 “I am completely motivated to step on the court this year and play with all that I have in me,” says Kelly.  “I’ve been learning a lot about God how, He works.  He’s been teaching me patience.  It has been a very humbling experience.”

 Kelly has a close bond with her teammates and loves that the coaches are “real” and “personal” to her, caring just as deeply about each of their team members as they do each game played. Since coming to Judson, Kelly feels she has “grown closer to God and depends on Him more to provide, comfort and strengthen her.”

 Kelly’s time at Judson is preparing her to become a missionary, to serve in the church, and, after graduation, she plans to attend seminary school – in either New Orleans or Golden Gate in San Francisco.

 “I have enjoyed the late nights from traditions that only a Judson Girl can understand.  To new freshmen athletes, I say do your summer workout schedule and work hard on AND off the court.  For students overall, embrace Judson’s traditions and your sister class, get to know the people in the community.”