Keely started her rowing career at the Durham Rowing Club in 1996 with the Port Perry High School crew and continued competing during the summer months. Although initially joining to be a rower, Keely was able to have the best of both worlds by becoming the coxswain of her high school's senior crew and competing in the lightweight single. She then went on to be a varsity coxswain at the University of Western Ontario where she lead her crews to numerous medals and Championship Banners.
Being a coxswain has enabled Kelly to compete at a wide range of competitions, including the World Masters Championships in 2001. After graduating high school, Keely remained actively involved with the Durham Rowing Club, being the Boathouse Manager numerous times and coaching high school, learn to row and recreational rowers.
In the summer of 2002, Keely took on the role of Manager and Coach for the North Central Ontario Summer Games team where she led the team to their most successful year, with nearly every rower receiving a medal. After taking the past few years off due to job scheduling (and moving to a different province), Keely has returned to her home club and is excited to be joining the coaching staff of the UOIT Ridgebacks.
