There wasn't much doubt where Kelly Cormier was headed after high school.

With her family background, it was going to be the University of Louisiana.

Getting a scholarship to play softball helped accelerate the process for Cormier, a Vermilion Catholic star who will bring blazing speed to the nationally ranked Ragin' Cajuns after signing early with UL this fall.

"My family is a big supporter of UL," Cormier said. "Both my parents went there, and my brother (Blake) is a big fan. He's there now."

Blake also preceded Kelly in athletics, and there remains a strong connection there, as well.

"People tell me we do everything exactly the same," Kelly said. "I don't see it, but he is my brother and he's really fast. I didn't really tag along, but he and my dad taught me how to play."

Obviously the lessons have paid dividends for Cormier, who stole 22 bases as a VC freshman, 23 as a sophomore, 30 as a junior last spring and doesn't expect to stop pilfering bases next season, either.

Cormier hit a career-high .520 last season and has been over .400 her entire prep career en route to All-District 8-A and honorable mention Class A All-State notice in 2005.

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Bruce Brown
bbrown@theadvertiser.com