Biddeford’s Ailaina Keely signs her National Letter of Intent to play soccer at Franklin Pierce University on Tuesday. ALEX SPONSELLER/ Journal Tribune
Keely is excited to take the next step and to compete at the collegiate level.
“(Signing) takes the stress off — it’s definitely a lot easier knowing that I know where I’m going and know where I’m playing next year. It’s exciting to be able to play next year and continue my career,” said Keely.
Keely made an immediate impact for the Tigers as a freshman, and scored a pair of goals in her high school debut. She continued to be one of Biddeford’s top players for rest of her career.
Things weren’t always easy, as Keely faced multiple injuries and missed a significant portion of her junior campaign. However, Keely rebounded and finished her career strong for the orange and black.
“It makes it easier knowing that I’ve had to overcome everything of going through concussions, shoulder surgeries, but I think it made me stronger and made me grow through those experiences,” said Keely.
Keely will miss the Biddeford community, and playing for the Tigers.
“Everyone that I’ve built relationships with over the last four years, that’s going to be the hardest part, not seeing them every day. The support system is going to be there but it’s not going to be the same,” said Keely.
Although moving will be tough, Keely is excited to submerge herself in the Franklin Pierce community, and grow as a player in the Ravens program.
“As soon as I stepped on campus it felt like home,” said Keely. “It was welcoming, everyone was super exciting and super friendly. Team-wise they were the same exact way. They were full of energy and I just felt like I was always going to have room for improvement and development there.”
Keely is also prepared to face a higher level of competition at the D2 level.
“The style of playing is going to be more intense, quicker, and it’s just going to be exciting playing for something bigger,” said Keely.
— Associate Sports Editor Alex Sponseller can be reached at asponseller@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.
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