It is with great pride that we induct Chelsea Welch, Class of 2013, into the Kettering Fairmont High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Chelsea was the Lady Firebird’s starting point guard all four of her years at Fairmont. To start as a freshman is amazing, a point which other coaches reminded Coach Tim Cogan (with a bit of envy), “She’s only a freshman, you have her three more years!” Coach Cogan, in his nomination letter, said, “it was a great feeling as a coach knowing we had such a dedicated, goal oriented, passion driven young individual who was going to make everyone around her better because of her expectation of success.”

Chelsea made her mark in basketball, demonstrating exceptional skill and determination on the court. As a key player, she had a vital role in leading her team to the state championship in 2013, her senior year. Chelsea had a career assist of 400 and in 2012 she had a record 12 assists per game. These records still stand to this day. Chelsea’s record of 302 career steals was only broken this season. Chelsea was Central Division 1st Team all four of her years at Fairmont. In addition, she was All Conference 1st Team her sophomore, junior and senior years. 

Her ability to perform under pressure was especially evident in the state finals, where she led the Firebirds to two Final Four appearances where they finished runners up and finally the ultimate: a state championship. Coach Cogan believes it was Chelsea’s leadership and dedication that brought the trophy home to Kettering. 

Chelsea lettered all four years in basketball and volleyball. In addition, she was a member of the choir and Spanish Honor Society. 

Beyond her Kettering Fairmont athletic achievements, Chelsea received a full basketball scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh. She finished her time at Wright State, where she was co-captain of the team and a Horizon League Player of the Year. She has played professionally overseas and is in her sixth year of college coaching. 

Congratulations, Chelsea.