Kelly Lemoine (Connelly)
Class of 1987
Another in the long line of outstanding volleyball and basketball players that made North High a powerhouse during the 1980’s.
Kelly’s athletic career began in 1983, playing JV volleyball and frosh-soph basketball. Kelly was a varsity starter in volleyball in her soph, Jr. and Sr. years, winning many awards, including: scholar-athlete (Big N Award – 3 times), most inspirational player, Star Awards and All SYL and All Area honors. During her Sr. year she was also named one of Kern County’s top 10 scholar-athletes for the fall sports season. Her teams twice went to the valley playoffs.
In basketball, Kelly had 3 solid varsity years – two as a starter. Her basketball awards included: Big N Award in all three seasons, All Area honorable mention as a soph. and Prep of the Week as a Junior. In her Junior year, Kelly was tabbed by the Bakersfield Californian as one of 6 players to watch in the upcoming season, where she averaged 17.3 ppg and 12.7 rpg while earning All SYL and All Area honors.
As a Senior, Kelly was MVP of the Foothill Christmas Tournament and won Prep of the Week as well as Jockey Club Athlete of the Month honors. She was named team MVP and earned all area honors while averaging 18.3 ppg and 12.6 rpg. Kelly was named one of Kern County’s top 10 scholar athletes for the winter sports season and was the only female basketball player in Kern County selected to the all NorCal Team. As a Senior, Kelly was also awarded the prestigious James Tyack Award as the best female athlete in Kern County. During her time at North, Kelly was part of 3 SYL Championship teams and twice played in the Valley Championship. Kelly had the pleasure of playing with and learning from prior HOF inductees including Wendy Martel, Karen Langston, Linda Ross and Melinda Harrison.
Kelly was offered scholarships in volleyball and basketball. With basketball being her first love, she chose Div. II powerhouse Cal Poly Pomona where she was a 4 year starter and an All Conference performer as a senior. Her teams at Cal Poly never finished lower than 5th in the nation, winning the CCAA title and regional championships all 4 years. Her teams gained the final 4 twice, once playing in the National Championship game and once finishing 3rd. Kelly graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in finance, real estate and Law.
Some of Kelly’s best memories at North: Playing on the 1984/85 varsity basketball team that went 24-0, prior to losing in the valley championship game; being presented the James Tyack Award by her coach, Curt DeRossett; twice playing in the Valley Championship basketball game; the never ending support and encouragement of teachers, administrators and mentors like Warner Brooks, Richard Ross, Lloyd Williams and of course coaches Penny Roberts, Curt DeRossett, Jay Eliades and Kirk Ansolabehere as they were a huge part of her life and success in school and athletics.
Kelly has been working for CIBA Insurance Services for the past 20 years. She’s been married to Ed Lemoine, a Law Enforcement Officer, for 17 years and they reside in Norco in Southern California. They have two sons, one who played hockey and is now studying to become a firefighter, and one who currently plays both baseball and football.
Congratulations Kelly, you are joining a long list of distinguished Lady Stars.
Sports/Years
83/84
JV Volleyball
F/S Basketball
84/85, 85/86, 86/87
Varsity Volleyball and Basketball
Volleyball
Started on Varsity Volleyball Soph., Jr. and Senior Seasons.
- Soph year received scholar athlete award (Big N).
- Year received most inspirational player along with Star Award and Scholar Athlete ( Big N award). All SYL and honorable mention all area honors.
- Year earned Star and Big N. Awards in addition to All SYL and All Area honors. Also named one of Kern County’s top 10 Scholar Athletes for the fall sports season.
Team:
- Soph year went to the Valley Playoffs
- Senior year 2nd in SYL and went to Valley Playoffs
Basketball
6th man Soph year and starter Jr. and Sr. years
- Soph year received scholar athlete award (Big N) and was named all area honorable mention
- year chosen as one of 6 players to watch in Kern County by the Bakersfield Californian. Averaged 17.3 ppg and 12.7 Reb per game in the SYL. Earned All SYL and All area honors. Received the Big N scholar athlete award and the Star Award. Was named prep of the week.
- year was named MVP of the Foothill Xmas Tournament. Earned Prep of the week and Jockey Club Athlete of the Month Honors. Earned all area Honors. Was the only Kern County female basketball player selected to the all Norcal team. Won Star and Big N awards and was named team MVP. Averaged 18.3 points per game and 12.6 rebounds per game in the regular season. Named one of Kern County’s top 10 Scholar Athletes for the winter sports season. Won the James Tyack award for best female athlete in Kern County. Was named one of the nation’s top 100 recruits.
Team:
- Soph year the team went 24-0 until losing in the valley Championship to Delano.
- year the team repeated as SYL Champs and Valley Championship finalists
- Senior Year the team was Co-SYL champs and made it to the valley playoffs.
Had the pleasure of playing with and learning from prior HOF inductees Wendy Martell, Karen Langston, Linda Ross, Melinda Harrison.
Was offered scholarships in both volleyball and basketball. With basketball as first love, ultimately chose to attend Division II basketball powerhouse Cal Poly Pomona. While at Pomona, was a 4 year starter. Was named conference player of the week and made the all conference team in my senior season.
As a team Cal Poly Pomona never finished lower than 5th in the nation. We won the CCAA title and regional championship all four years. We went to the final four twice, once playing in the national championship and once finishing third. Graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Finance, Real Estate and Law. Work as a risk manager and contract analyst.
Some of the best memories
- Being presented the James Tyack Award by Curt DeRossett.
- Twice playing in the Valley Championship for basketball
- The never ending support and encouragement of teachers, administrators and mentors like Warner Brooks, Richard Ross, Lloyd Williams and of course coaches Penny Roberts, Curt DeRossett, Jay Eliades and Kirk Ansolabehere were a huge part of my success on and off the court. I am so thankful for their presence and guidance.
