She went from the volleyball court to the cockpit for a long, long flight. Embry-Riddle’s Kelly Hansen took part in this year’s Women’s Air Race Classic, an event that has been going on since 1929.
The race covers more than 2,600 miles and requires pilots and co-pilots to navigate over various terrain and weather conditions, putting their piloting and decision-making skills to the test. Hansen partnered with one of her friends at Embry-Riddle, Logan Nissen, and used a Cessna 182Q for the competition. Hansen, who hails from El Dorado Hills, California, is going into her senior year at Embry-Riddle, where she majors in aeronautical science.
Last season for the Lady Eagles, Hansen had a career-best 178 kills, along with 47 blocks. She is also president of Embry-Riddle’s Athletes in Aviation club and is a two-time NAIA Scholar-Athlete.