Communities, Elsie, Features, Ovid

Mikayla Kelley Signs With Spring Arbor University

Back Row (l-r) Step-Dad, Dan Lightner, Spring Arbor Coach, Gerry Lobdell, OE Coach, Matt Fabius, OE Athletic Director, Jesse Johnson, Step-Mom, Erin Kelley and Spring Arbor Coach, Rich Bradley. Front Row (l-r) Mom, Susan Lightner, Mikayla Kelley and Dad, Zach K

By Deb Price

On Monday, December 28th, Ovid-Elsie Senior, Mikayla Kelley signed a Letter of Intent with Spring Arbor University at Royal Scot Bowling Alley in Lansing. She will be advancing to the next level in pursuit of higher education and continuing her bowling career. Mikayla was offered two scholarships from Spring Arbor, one for academics and the other for athletics.

She carries a 3.6 grade point average and is an accomplished bowler averaging over 180 a game. She started bowling when she was old enough to pick up a bowling ball at the age of three. She continued throughout the years from youth bowling leagues, high school and now on her way to college. The past two years she qualified for Junior Gold, a Nationals bowling event for kids held in Vegas this year, but due to COVID-19 the event was cancelled.

Mikayla looks to earn a degree in Psychology at Spring Arbor. “I’m very excited to see where this new journey with Spring Arbor takes me. I look forward to furthering my education there as I study Psychology and make new friendships. I’m very grateful for this opportunity to continue my passion for bowling and also attend such an amazing school,” she said.

Mikayla is the daughter of Susan (Dan) Lightner of Elsie and Zach (Erin) Kelley of Owosso. Her proud grandparents include Bill and Shar Maynard of DeWitt Township, Elaine and Bing Crosby of Ovid and Jim and Teresa Kelley of Mecosta.