Nancy Kelly, Legendary Cerritos College Softball Coach Dies

By Randy Economy

Nancy Kelly, a legendary coach from Cerritos College passes away on Sunday, Hews Media Group-Community Newspaper has learned.

The death of Kelly was confirmed in an email from President Linda Lacey.

Lacey informed members of the Board of Trustees about Kelly’s passing in an email.

“I am saddened to announce the passing of Nancy Kelly (Professor Emeritus of Health and Physical Education and former Women’s Softball Coach). Professor Kelly passed away on Sunday, August 17,” Lacey said.

Professor Kelly was initially employed by the district on an hourly basis in October 1973 and was subsequently hired as a full-time instructor in September 1975. She served in this capacity until her retirement in May 2002. Nancy served as the women’s softball coach from 1976 through 1997, and in 2004, the softball field was named in her honor. In March 2014, she was inducted into Cerritos College’s Hall of Fame.

“Nancy was dedicated to the students and her profession. After her retirement, she established the Nancy Kelly Academic Scholarship through the Cerritos College Foundation. This scholarship is awarded to a student who attended Cerritos College and played softball for two years and is transferring to a four-year university,” Lacey said.

Details regarding a celebration of her life will be announced in the days to come.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Nancy Kelly Academic Scholarship. If you wish to make a donation online, please visit the Cerritos College Foundation website or make your check payable to the Cerritos College Foundation and reference this scholarship. If you have any questions, you may contact the Foundation Office directly at (562) 860-2451, extension 2526.