Quade Kelley – Student-Athlete
I am a 14-year-old High School student-athlete (’27) from Encinitas. Teachers and coaches describe me as curious, hard-working, and determined. From 2020 to 2023, I was a part of the international press corps as a working kid reporter and youth journalist for Scholastic Kids Press. I merged into journalism as a kid because I was passionate about learning and had many questions. In 2020, I was the WhoWas? History Bee Champion, when I was interviewed by the local press, I realized journalism is a great way to learn people’s stories.
I am now using that experience to drive my interest in Neuroscience, Sports Psychology, and innovations in Athletic Development. In particular, I want to apply the best of science to my own discipline as a multi-sport athlete. My primary sports are Water Polo (Attacker/Wing) and Baseball (RHP/SS.) I also play Volleyball (Libero), with a preference for beach volleyball, and plan to complete in Swimming (Fly/Brs.) Academics are my priority but I work hard for the opportunity to compete in multiple varsity sports for diversity of movement and development. I will choose a primary sport in July 2025, with the goal of being a high-level collegiate athlete.
Outside of school, I compete in club water polo and baseball. Being named to the 2023 USA Water Polo Olympic Development Program (ODP) for the Pacific Southwest was an honor. Learning about teamwork was a highlight of the 2023 Jr. Olympics(14u Carlsbad Water Polo- 18th in the USA.)
Combining my experience in journalism with my passion for sport and San Diego, I am currently serving as the Team Ambassador and Youth Correspondent for Pro Volleyball Federation’s San Diego Mojo. The women athletes and leadership of the newest SD professional team are teaching me about innovations in sports science, training, and mindset. Their talent is matched with dedication, humility, and gratitude. It’s inspiring and at a time when the sport is surging, it will be amazing to see how that motivates a new generation of young athletes.
As a neurodivergent learner, I advocate for integrating movement and reading as critical benefits for academic success. I am a 4.0/4.4 High School honors student, passionate about learning and reading. Since 2020, I have volunteered as a national youth reviewer for the Children’s Book Committee at Bank Street College and Library and an advanced reader for several publishers, including Scholastic, Random House, and MacMillan. This year, it has been an honor to serve as the first Youth member of the School Library Journal’s (SLJ) Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Committee. It has been amazing to help shape the debate about the best new books in children’s literature. The live webinar will occur on Friday, January 19th, preceding the national ALA 2024 awards.
Service is a big part of my identity and I am dedicated to committing time and effort to making the world a kinder, more inclusive place by contributing the most of my best in every aspect of my life. The Congressional Service Award, Bronze Medal was earned in 2023 for my service in the community. Major Tony Kranz appointed me to the Youth Commission of Encinitas for the 2023-24 term, where I serve on ad hoc committees for Youth Health Initiatives and Environmental Stewardship. I am passionate about finding ways to improve total physical and mental health for the youth community. Being outside and enjoying beautiful San Diego is a part of that so we have a responsibility to take care of it.
I am grateful to the mentors, teachers, and coaches who have answered many questions and pushed me to be the best version of myself. The experiences of meeting amazing people continue to bless my life and expand my network while continuing to shape my internal conversations about who I am and who I hope to be in the future.
Read about Quade Kelley at Faces of San Diego
