Former local high school standout Kelli Cunningham has begun her collegiate basketball career playing for Head Coach Chanda Stebbins at Santa Fe College, making a contribution in each of the Saints' first two games of the season. 

Cunningham was a two-time MVP and three-time first team Florida Christian Athletic League selection while playing at Countryside Christian High School, and began playing her senior year for the Minutemen before making the jump to join the Saints for the 2021 season. 

As Cunningham has already discovered, it will take some time to adjust to some of the differences between high school and collegiate play.

"The pace of the game is just so much faster, and I didn't think it would be this high intensity," expressed Cunningham. "Coach Stebbins did a good job of getting me in shape, so I was ready in that way, but the physicality is much different, even in practice."

Even though Cunningham faces some new challenges on the court, she has been able to make a positive impact in the box score for Santa Fe so far. After two games played, No. 4 is averaging 9.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per game from the backcourt for the Saints, and is enjoying the start of the season with the new team.

"It has been fun so far," adds Cunningham. "All of the girls have been really nice, and I think I fit in pretty well."

As the season progresses, Cunningham already has her sights set on ways she can continue to improve and make contributions towards the Saints' success. 

"I definitely want to become a more reliable player, especially defensively and in knowing all of the different plays...I am a shooter, and that's what they want me to do when I touch the ball, but I am hoping to expand on that a little bit with more driving offensivley to produce in different ways for the team." 

Cunningham is majoring in political science at Santa Fe, and plans to go to law school in the future. In the meantime though as she competes with the Saints, she is grateful for all of the support that has helped her get to where she is now on the basketball court.

"My parents have put a lot of time and resources into me with basketball since middle school, and they even drove four and a half hours to watch the recent game at Northwest Florida State College. I wouldn't be where I am today without their efforts, and I am especially grateful for my trainer Bobby Taylor and high School coach Tambria Williams as well."

Stebbins looks forward to the opportunity to coach Cunningham, and already appreciates what she adds to the program. 

"I think Kelli brings a great demeanor to our team," said Stebbins. "She is a competitor and works hard, both in the classroom and on the floor.  I love players who give it their all and really take advantage of the opportunity to grow as a student, athlete, and person, and I think Kelli like many of our current and former Saints does that."

Cunningham and Santa Fe are set for the season's home-opener on Friday, Jan. 29 against Miami Dade College. Tip-off time is slated for 6:00 p.m., and although spectators are not permitted to attend, the Saints Sports Network will provide video and audio coverage here: Saints Sports Network - Santa Fe College Athletics (prestosports.com).