Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.
Kelly Kretschman's softball odyssey is coming full circle.
The native of Indian Harbour Beach, Fla., first made her mark at the University of Alabama, playing initially at Bowers Park and later at the school's then-new stadium. The four-time, first-team All-American was part of UA's first trip to the Women's College World Series in 2000, won Olympic medals in Athens, Greece, and Beijing, China. She has won five National Pro Fastpitch championships as a professional.
Last season, the 36-year-old outfielder won league most valuable player honors. She thought about hanging up her cleats, but decided to play at least one more season.