SPRINGFIELD, MA (May 19, 2013) - Kelly Holmes has been officially selected for the 2013 NCAA DIII Outdoor Track & Field Championships, to be contested at UW-La Crosse Thursday through Saturday of this coming week. This marks Holmes' third qualification for the Track Championships.

Holmes, the 2013 Matthew Vassar Outstanding Career Award winner, finished the season ranked 17th in the 800m with her 2:11.62 performance running away from the field at the Matthew Vassar Twilight meet on May 3rd. Last Friday, Holmes finished 2nd in the ECAC Championships in a tactical 800m.

"Kelly wanted to run even faster, which I know she can," Said Head Coach James McCowan. "However, at the ECAC meet our objective was to not set the pace but rather practice running a tactical race and positioning her self for a top two position - an experience she doesn't often get in season with the 800m. Though she was boxed out several times, she did what she had to to get that second place and it was excellent preparation for the national meet."

Holmes also ran the 4x400m with her teammates Ariel Bridges, Heather Ingraham and Emily Crnic the night before her 800m at the ECAC championships.

Holmes, three time Liberty League Champion in the 800m and two time League champion in the 4x400m, also qualified for the NCAA Championships in the 800m as a sophomore but did not compete due to summer study abroad commitments. During the 2011-2012 academic year, she qualified for the National Championships in both Cross Country and Outdoor Track, and was named the 2012 Vassar College Betty Ritchie Performer of the year for her achievements.

The 800m trials will be contested Friday evening, with Finals on Saturday afternoon. Results and the Championships schedule can be found here.