Alumnae Spotlight: Kelsey Corcoran
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Kelsey Corcoran with colleague at Virginia Tech.
Alumnae Spotlight: Kelsey Corcoran’s Journey from Miller School to Professional Success
This year, as we Ring the Bell to show our support for the Miller School of Albemarle, a few alumni stand out for their ongoing support of their alma mater. Kelsey Corcoran ‘11 is one such alumnus. We are so thankful that Kelsey makes a monthly commitment earmarked for girls' basketball through her employer. We reached out to Kelsey to find out her “Miller Why”.
Discovering Miller School
Kelsey first learned about the Miller School of Albemarle during a summer camp in 11th grade, where she met one of the assistant basketball coaches. The coach highlighted how MSA prepares athletes for the college lifestyle, something Kelsey felt her current high school lacked. Concerned about her readiness for college and determined not to follow the path of others who had struggled, she decided to join MSA to better prepare for her future.
Life After Miller School
Kelsey Corcoran’s post-Miller journey has been both dynamic and inspiring. After graduating from the Miller School of Albemarle in 2011, Kelsey embarked on a collegiate basketball career that took her across the country. She played her freshman year at Winthrop University in South Carolina, her sophomore year at Utah State University, and ultimately graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Transitioning from college athletics to the professional world, Kelsey found her niche in sales, starting at a Verizon store. Her passion for competition and success in sales led her to her current role as a Client Solutions Executive at AT&T, focusing on the Public Sector. In this role, Kelsey is crucial in ensuring connectivity for first responders, allowing them to focus on protecting communities.
Athletic and Academic Influences
Kelsey’s primary focus at MSA was basketball, complemented by strength and conditioning training in the fall and spring. Coach Braxton stood out as a significant influencer, but Kelsey acknowledges the profound impact of many other coaches and teachers. Each staff member at MSA contributed to her growth, offering wisdom and perspective that shaped her into the person she is today. Reflecting on her time at MSA, Kelsey wishes she had more time to absorb the invaluable lessons imparted by the dedicated staff.
Life Lessons from Miller School
Kelsey learned several pivotal life lessons during her time at MSA. One of the most important was understanding that while we might express emotions similarly, the reasons behind them vary widely due to our diverse backgrounds. This insight taught her the importance of keeping an open mind and respecting differences, even in disagreement.
Living close to the gym at Miller instilled in Kelsey a relentless work ethic. She adopted the “you may be smarter, faster, more talented, experienced than me. You will however never outwork me” mindset. This principle has been a cornerstone of her approach to new challenges, helping her combat imposter syndrome and excel in her career.
Giving Back to Miller School
Kelsey’s commitment to giving back to Miller School stems from a desire to remove barriers for aspiring athletes. She makes annual contributions to ensure that the cost of a pair of basketball sneakers does not prevent any girl from playing the sport. While the shoes may not be the most expensive, they are enough to allow the girls to participate and experience the opportunities MSA offers. Kelsey hopes her contributions inspire others to donate, ensuring financial barriers do not hinder any student's ability to benefit from the transformative experience at Miller School of Albemarle.
Kelsey Corcoran’s journey is a testament to the lasting impact of the Miller School of Albemarle. Her experiences highlight the importance of preparation, hard work, and the power of giving back. Through her story, she hopes to encourage others to support MSA and help future students achieve their dreams.
