Skidmore senior guard Kelly Donnelly surpassed the all-time women’s basketball scoring record in a 23-point performance last Friday against Union. The record, formerly 1,590 points, was last set by Skidmore Hall of Famer Jamie Cumpelik, ’99. Donnelly, now at 1638 points following a 30-point show the following day against RPI, is on pace to shatter the former record by the end of the season.
When asked if this record was a long-time goal of hers, she responded, “I honestly never really thought about it. It’s never been a goal of mine; my goal has always been winning. I actually didn't even realize it was going to happen until the article came out saying I was just six points away. Prior to that, I didn't even know how many points the record was.”
Starting 26 of 28 games as a freshman, Donnelly had always had a central role on the team, allowing her to rack up the points to where she is now. Those most integral in helping her reach this record have been her coaches and teammates. “I can't thank them enough for always pushing me to get better every season, even every day for that matter.”
As for her goals for the future, her sights are firmly set on competing, and ultimately winning, a Liberty League title in her final season. “As a freshman, I was fortunate enough to experience what that was like; the atmosphere is unreal and then the feeling of winning is even better. It is like seeing all of the hard work throughout the season and the grind of it all pay off. To end my college career on that feeling and that high of a note would be unbelievable, and I think that is what motivates all of us.”
The women’s basketball team plays next at home against Ithaca on Friday evening at 6 p.m, marking the start of a 5-game home stand which culminates in the ever-exciting Big Green Scream event on Saturday, February 10th. Tip-off against RIT in the Big Green Scream is at 2 p.m.