Student Spotlight: Kelly Donatucci

To Kelly Donatucci, being a Warrior means achievement, friendship, and pride. A volleyball team standout, Donatucci was the 2018 South Coast Conference Libero of the Year as a freshman. In her sophomore year, she was again the 2019 Libero of the Year, in addition to Second Team All-American. She is currently a top player in beach volleyball, which recently secured its first-ever No. 1 ranking in the American Volleyball Coaches Association California Community College Athletic Association Coaches' Poll.

"As a Warrior I have achieved my athletic and academic goals and more," she said. "It is amazing to be a part of the Warrior family. At El Camino, I made friendships with many amazing people who will remain in my life beyond college."

El Camino College was the right choice for Donatucci for many reasons. Her two older brothers attended El Camino and had great experiences before transferring. She attends El Camino with her twin sister and thought that two years at El Camino would help her prepare for the rigors of university work. Once she took her first class at El Camino, she knew she made the right decision. Affordable fees were another benefit of an ECC education, and small class sizes allowed her to easily interact with professors who soon knew her on a first-name basis.

Donatucci plans to graduate in the spring and decided not to continue playing collegiate volleyball, but she looks forward to focusing on her studies and future career. She feels ready to transfer and credits the strong foundation she gained at El Camino as the main factor in her success.

"I received a tremendous amount of support from all my coaches, teachers, and teammates," she said. "El Camino is truly a family and the college has given me a wonderful education and environment for my first two years in college. I would not have wanted to attend any other school. I wish ECC was a four-year college because I have loved the experience!"