Files Named AVCA National Assistant Coach of the Year

Dec. 17, 2009

Kelly is involved in all aspects of the program, including recruiting, conditioning, on-the-floor coaching and administrative work. She is always professional, respectful, loyal and reliable. Kelly had continuously gone above and beyond what is expected of her, which is a testament to her inner-drive and compassionate nature.

In August 2008 my son, Javier Santiago Restrepo, suffered a relapse of leukemia. Kelly, without question or hesitation, quietly assumed more responsibilities to allow me to spend time with my son. These responsibilities extended into the areas mentioned above but also include helping to care for our six-year old son, Diego. She handled the situation and was amazing at doing-so.

On October 27, 2008 Javier was admitted to the hospital for a bone marrow transplant to combat the leukemia. The transplant led to the need for a liver transplant which spanned all of the winter 2008 and spring 2009. Again, Kelly was ready to assume even more responsibility. In only her fifth season as an assistant coach at OU, she assumed the head coaching role for two matches at the conclusion of the 2008 season. One of those matches resulted in a sweep of Iowa State. Kelly was calm and steady in her assumption of the new responsibilities which placed the players at ease and allowed me to focus on my son.

Kelly has repeatedly given unselfishly of herself for a team, a program and people that she loves. My little boy Javier left us for Heaven on July 31, 2009, just shy of the date of his relapse. Without Kelly, I would not have the wonderful memories I have of my son during that time, of laughing, playing, holding and loving him. Kelly is the assistant that every head coach needs and wants. She is a confident, hard-working coach and a compassionate, loving friend.

She has been my rock, my ultimate friend, my companion, my support, my everything, and I could not have done what I continue to do without her and for that I am very grateful. I love her, care about her and would do anything for her. She is truly an inspiration for all of those assistant coaches that are striving to be the very best. She deserves to be our National Assistant Coach of the Year.

Santiago Restrepo
Head Coach, University of Oklahoma

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Files Named AVCA National Assistant Coach of the Year

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