Why Kelly Beaupre Chose Dartmouth And The Ivy League

Southern California native Kelly Beaupre had big aspirations for herself during the recruiting process. The Dartmouth commit cast a wide net in hopes of landing at an elite academic institution. This fall, Beaupre will begin her collegiate softball career at Dartmouth, as the Big Green look to regain top status in the Ivy League in 2021.

Similarly to so many academically-focused softball players, the recruiting process got off to a later-than-usual start for Beaupre, a utility player who competes on the travel circuit with the So Cal Choppers Ensey 18U team.

Learn more about Beaupre's path to the Big Green below.

Softball America: What was the recruiting process like for you?

Kelly Beaupre: My recruiting process definitely started later than most because I was striving to attend a high academic institution and did not know where to start until I had my test scores. I started my recruiting casting a wide net and gained a lot of traction from Division III schools that my high school teammates were attending. I lacked exposure to Dartmouth and other Division I schools early on, but throughout my junior year, I attended many showcases and tournaments that put me right in front of them. I had received offers throughout the end of my junior year, and committed to Dartmouth at the end of PGF.

SA: What other schools were you interested in?

KB: I was interested in some of the other Ivy League institutions, as well as many high academic Division III schools.

SA: Why did you choose Dartmouth?

KB: Dartmouth was always at the top of my list because of the close-knit community it fosters and the way I felt when I was on campus. Additionally, the academic and athletic legacies at Dartmouth are some of the aspects of the school I want to participate in.

SA: What are you doing to stay ready and in shape for the start of your college softball career?

KB: I have been playing locally with my travel ball team this summer. Additionally, I have received training workouts from my strength and conditioning coach that I have been doing throughout the summer.

SA: What advice would you give to aspiring Division I softball student-athletes?

KB: I would advise them to know which schools they really want to pursue and to get after it. I really enjoyed performing in front of coaches because I took the "pressure is a privilege" mantra to heart. 

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