Kelsey Susalla
- School
- University of Michigan
- Position
- Outfield
- Major
- Psychology
Classroom
A psychology major, Kelsey Susalla is an Academic All-Big Ten selection (2015) and two-time University of Michigan Athletic Academic Achievement recipient. She is interested in pursuing a career in counseling or advertising after graduation.
Character
After serving as a reserve infielder and pinch hitter during her first two collegiate seasons, Susalla converted herself into an outfielder in an effort to crack the starting lineup as a junior. She boasted a breakout year in 2015 as one of the team’s most consistent and reliable offensive players. Referred to as the Wolverines’ hardest-working player by the coaching staff, she was presented the team’s 2015 Maize and Blue Award recipient for tremendous exhibition of character, commitment and leadership.
Susalla was also involved with the Michigan Leadership Academy. Through the MLA, student-athletes learn how to influence with and without a voice.
Community
Susalla has been actively involved in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer organization during her Michigan tenure, both through the Making Strides Walk of Ann Arbor and the annual Michigan Softball Academy. She has served as a clinician at the Michigan Softball Academy each of the last three years, taking the field with the participants and guiding them through drills and other activities. Last year’s event raised more than $125,000 in one evening to support the fight against breast cancer and has raised nearly $350,000 over Susalla’s tenure.
Susalla has also gotten involved with the ChadTough Foundation to raise awareness for pediatric brain tumors and participated in the ChadTough Walk this fall.
Susalla is part of a contingent of Michigan student-athletes that make periodic visits to Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor through the “Michigan From the Heart” program. The visits connect U-M student-athletes with children and their families to bring a little fun and relief to stressful times.
Competition
In her first season in the Wolverines’ starting lineup last season (2015), Susalla hit .380 with 14 home runs and 61 RBI. She was named to the 2015 NFCA Great Lakes All-Region First Team and to NCAA All-Tournament Team after helping lead Michigan to an NCAA runner-up finish. She boasts a career .362 batting average with 19 homers and 94 RBI.
