Being an Honors Scholar Athlete. The Best Decision I’ve Ever Made.
Pictured Above: Keeley Wright drives to the basket during SOU Women’s Basketball game against Warner Pacific University, February 21, 2025. Photo by Bob Palermini, Ashland News.
Keeley Wright’s enthusiasm is palpable.
“Hi! My name is Keeley Wright and I am a sophomore in the Honors College at SOU. I am also on the women’s basketball team, and I love every second of being an Honors scholar athlete here. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Growing up in a family of athletes, Keeley chose basketball because of its high pace. “I’ve tried softball and other sports where you’re just kinda waiting a lot of the time. I love the constant movement of basketball, the back and forth. If you work hard, it’s a sport where you can see your progress every day.”
That progress catapulted Keeley and her teammates to the 2025 NAIA Basketball National Championships in Sioux City, Iowa this March.
“Our team had gone 34-1 this past basketball season, with our only loss coming in the Elite 8 game at the National Championships. It was a bittersweet ending to this unforgettable season, as no team in SOU history has ever had this insane record.”
Pictured Above: The SOU Women’s Basketball team smiles after winning the first and second round games of the NAIA National Tournament, at home, March 15. Photo by Bob Palermini, Ashland News
What accounts for the team’s success? “Our team’s culture, our teamwork, our commitment to each other, our friendships,” Keeley says. “No amount of training can take the place of these core elements.”
What does it take to balance being a scholar and an athlete?
“It starts with lots of dedication to school. I put my academics first, I try to do all my homework while we’re on trips to games. I want to get better at both school and basketball. And the HC is very supportive of student athletes. They help us in many ways, whether that be reaching out to tell us how proud they are of us, or when we’re in a crunch, telling us not to worry about a deadline, to get it done when we can.”
What was it like to stand in the arena at the National Championships this March?
“I was nervous, to say the least. Getting to that big stage as a sophomore was definitely an experience for the books. We’ll never know if it will happen again. I took in every second.”
This summer Keeley will work as a Certified Nursing Assistant to get the hours she needs to become a Physician’s Assistant.
By Barbara Cervone, SOU Honors College Advisory Committee
