News Summary
Tre’ Kelley, a former standout player for South Carolina basketball, has returned to finish his degree in service management. His journey from professional sports to education exemplifies commitment and perseverance. Kelley’s story highlights the importance of completing education and the resources available for former athletes, encouraging others to pursue similar paths.
Columbia, South Carolina
Tre’ Kelley, a former South Carolina basketball standout who played from 2004 to 2007, has returned to the University of South Carolina to finish his degree, fulfilling a promise he made to his family and Coach Dave Odom. After leaving college to pursue a professional career in basketball, Kelley has now officially completed his education, earning a degree in service management.
During his senior season in 2007, Kelley earned first team All-SEC honors and emerged as one of the most significant players in South Carolina basketball history, scoring nearly 1,500 points and ranking third in assists with 510 assists. Following his time at South Carolina, Kelley played professionally overseas and in the NBA Developmental League before retiring from basketball in 2020.
After his retirement, Kelley shifted his focus from professional sports to a career in coaching college basketball. Recognizing the importance of his degree in pursuing his new career path, he became determined to complete his education. The Carolina Degree Completion Program has provided him with an opportunity to do just that, offering support for tuition, room, and board, alongside academic resources to help alumni complete their degrees.
Kelley found the process of returning to school more manageable due to the flexibility of online classes, which allowed him to balance his studies with his coaching responsibilities. The available resources, such as tutors and academic centers, further aided him in successfully completing his coursework. He has expressed deep appreciation for the support he received throughout this journey and has encouraged other former athletes who have not yet finished their degrees to take advantage of similar opportunities.
In a moment of personal significance, Kelley will be joined at his graduation ceremony by his family, including his seven-year-old son Aiden. Additionally, he is looking forward to sharing this special occasion with Myles Stute, a current player he has trained, who will also be graduating.
Kelley’s story is a shining example of commitment and perseverance, illustrating that it is never too late to pursue education and fulfill promises. His journey may inspire many others in the athletic community to prioritize their education and take advantage of programs designed to support individuals in completing their degrees.
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Additional Resources
- Gamecocks Online: Tre’ Kelley Delivers on Promise
- The State: USC Women’s Basketball News
- WBTV: Former Gamecocks Player Arrested
- Google Search: Tre Kelley South Carolina
- Greenville Online: Ashlyn Watkins News
- Wikipedia: University of South Carolina
