Benoit Signs with UMKC

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Kelsey Benoit made her college decision public yesterday in a ceremony at Centralia High School when she signed a letter of intent to participate in track and field at the Unversity of Missouri - Kansas City.

Benoit is the second 2012 graduating senior to land a NCAA Division I athletic scholarship, joing Marc Schmidt who is headed to Mizzou.  Kelsey entertained an offer from Mizzou, but ultimately decided on UMKC based on her chosen course of study; she hopes to become a dental hygienist.

Benoit has qualified for the Missouri state track and field championships all 3 years in high school, and has medaled each time in the shot put, earning 2, 3rd place medals her freshman and sophomore years and finishing 2nd as a junior at last year's meet.

Benoit holds school records for the shot put at 43'11.75" and the discus at 122'2" which were both set last spring, and hopes to participate in both events while at UMKC.  "I am ready to join another track and field team, and excited to become a Roo," stated Benoit.

UMKC track and field throws coach Andy Nordland sees Benoit possibly competing in another event, "We are thrilled to have Kelsey as a part of our UMKC family.  She is a very talented young lady both athletically and academically and will be very successful here.  She will be an immediate contributor for our team.  In addition to being a good shot putter, given her athletic ability and physical traits, she has the potential to be a great weight and hammer thrower.  We can't wait for her to get to campus and begin her career."

In addition to her highly successful track and field career, Benoit has also participates in volleyball and basketball.