Kelly was one of the most outstanding water polo players in Fordham history, earning numerous All-East honors in his four- year career.
 
A four-year letter winner with both the swimming and water polo teams, Kelly made his mark with the water polo squad, being named Most Valuable player of the team all four years. In the Eastern Water Polo Conference, he led the water polo team to a second place finish in 1971, a third place showing in 1972, and a second place finish in 1973. A three-year captain for both the water polo and swimming teams, Kelly set school records in the 50, 100, 200 freestyle and was a member of the record-setting 400 freestyle relay team. He received the Fordham University Terence J. O'Donnell award as the Best Student Athlete in 1974.