Distinguished Alumnus Profile - Kelly McClain-Garvey
August 21, 2008 | Women's Volleyball
Aug. 21, 2008
When Kelly McClain-Garvey spoke at the 2008 University of Louisville's annual kickoff Luncheon, her experience as a four-year volleyball player didn't help much.
"I have played in front of a lot of those same faces, but I have never been so nervous in my entire life," McClain-Garvey said. "It is humbling."
McClain-Garvey, who was a four-year starter in volleyball for U of L from 1997-2000, is now a Vice President Wealth Management Advisor for 5/3rd private bank where she represents all the lines of businesses within the Fifth Third Private Banks.
McClain-Garvey was chosen to speak at the kickoff luncheon as her role at 5/3rd requires her to have lots of community presence, and with her history involving U of L athletics, no one else was thought to be better for the job. 5/3rd will also be sponsoring volleyballs for the team's annual Halloween game this year.
McClain-Garvey said she was "fortunate" to be in the position with 5/3rd she is in today.
"I began as a management trainee," McClain-Garvey said. "A program that teaches professionals about the financial industry, from the teller line to commercial lending, corporate lending, wealth management. Through that experience, I took an interest in wealth management. I like working with the affluent community and individuals that have a lot of influence."
It would seem an odd path for one of the most decorated players in the history of U of L's volleyball program. An outside hitter, McClain-Garvey is second on the school's all-time list in digs with 1,366 and third in attacks with 3,883. She was named All Conference USA first team in both 1999 and 2000, as well as being named to the Athletic Director's Honor Roll in each of her four seasons. McClain-Garvey was also the first Louisville player to ever turn professional, playing for Bayer Leverkusen in Germany in 2001.
Still, McClain-Garvey said she uses her experience as a volleyball player everyday at 5/3rd.
"In my role within the bank, my success is dependent on a team of specialists," McClain-Garvey said. "I feel like that team characteristic is essential for professionals to be successful in corporate America."
"I am constantly in competition with all types of individuals, some with more experience or more seasoned, I have learned to work harder, practice, and empower myself with knowledge. It takes a strong discipline and commitment. I absolutely believe that is the same work ethic required to be successful in college athletics. I guess I have been in training for a while."
McClain-Garvey does still have connections to volleyball. She coached a 16-year old elite team for the MidAmerican Volleyball Association. The team finished second at the Junior Olympics. Kelly is still passionate about U of L volleyball, her self confessed Louisville family. Her husband, Eric, is the head volleyball coach at Sacred Heart Academy in Louisville.
As far as playing, McClain-Garvey said she plays lots of beach volleyball as well as triples and indoor tournaments. She said she doesn't expect to ever play volleyball as a career again.
"I found my calling in the professional financial sector," she said.
"My goal with volleyball is to stay in shape so that when my daughter, Annabelle, is older I can play sand volleyball with her," McClain-Garvey said. "I dream about the day that we play doubles beach volleyball together."
Looking back, McClain-Garvey said she is most proud to be an alumni and cardinal volleyball student-athlete from U of L.
"As a collegiate athlete, I sometimes felt under appreciated and not good enough," McClain-Garvey said. I must confess; I often thought about personal awards and accolades. But today, I would never discuss accolades, as they really do not mean much to me. I am more proud of my experiences and the long-standing relationships I have at U of L. I am proud to be part of the U of L volleyball and athletic family."
