Brehan (Heebner) Kelley, a former 12-time NCAA D-II All-American at Clarion University who specialized in the butterfly and IM events from 2003-2006, begins her fifth season as Assistant Swimming Coach at Clarion University for both men’s and women’s programs.
Kelley came to Clarion from Duquesne University, where she was a graduate assistant women’s swimming coach during the 2009-10 season. She was also the competitive Aquatic Director/Head Swim Coach at the Lionville YMCA in Exton, Pa. from August 2007 – April of 2009.
In December of 2011 Kelley became a Certified “Level 1” Crossfit Trainer. Having a current CF-L1 certificate affords her the legal right to train others using CrossFit methods and the opportunity to apply for affiliation with Crossfit. The course allows her to train Clarion swimming athletes more efficiently and help them reach their maximum potential.
“I am really excited to have Brehan here as our assistant swimming coach,” said veteran Clarion mentor Mark VanDyke. “She brings a very strong work ethic and an extremely positive approach to swimming to the pool every day and that will be a big benefit for our student athletes and the program. She will be an excellent coach here at Clarion.”
A 2006 graduate of Clarion University with a degree in Elementary Education, (Heebner) Kelley had a stellar swimming career with the Golden Eagles from 2003-2006 and was a Clarion Scholar Athlete.
In her four seasons she helped Clarion to PSAC team titles in 2004 and 2006, and runner-up finishes in 2003 and 2005. She also helped the Golden Eagles to a 5th place NCAA D-II finish in 2004, 10th in 2005 and 2003 and 11th in 2006.
A 12-time NCAA Division II All-American, her top nationals finishes include 8th in the 200 butterfly in 2004, 9th in the 200 fly in 2006 and 12th in the 200 fly in 2005. she was also 11th in the 100 fly in 2006, 14th in the 100 fly in 2004, plus 15th in the 400 IM in 2004 and 14th in the 200 IM in 2005. she was also a multiple relay All-American. Brehan also posted five individual second place finishes at PSAC’s during her career including two in the 200 fly, one each in the 100 fly, 200 and 400 IM.
“I am so happy to be back here at Clarion – I’m home,” said Kelly on her being named to the Eagle coaching staff. “I had a lot of great experiences here at Clarion as a student athlete and I’m looking forward to giving back all I can to our current and future student athletes in the hopes of making their experiences as great as mine were here. I love coming to work every day and am excited about the upcoming season.”
She is a native of Reading, Pa. and a graduate of Reading High School. She is married to Jesse Kelley and the couple have a son Declan.
