Winthrop University Athletics

Kelli Johnson de la Rionda (Class of 2005) was a four-time All-Big South Conference selection as a pitcher in 2002 through 2005 and was voted the 2002 Big South Freshman of the Year. She was featured in Sports Illustrated’s "Faces In The Crowd" section in April of 2004 after tossing two perfect games within a six-day period. She finished her career with five no-hitters. Johnson ranks second on the Winthrop career list for pitching victories (86), strikeouts (805), shutouts (28), complete games (98), and starts (132). Kelli went on to earn a Master of Arts degree in elementary education from Gardner-Webb. She is currently serving as a fourth grade teacher at Somerset Academy Gables in Miami, Fla. She is married to former Winthrop baseball player Carlos de la Rionda, and they have one son, Carlos Michael (age 2).

Kelli's acceptance speech: