Originating from deep center field, Kelly (Majam) Elms’ voice routinely projected well past the infield, often carrying encouragement to her pitcher in pressure situations.

In quieter settings, that same voice — empowered through trials she’d faced early in her stay at the University of Hawaii — provided assurance for those perhaps dealing with struggles of their own.

Overcoming a torn knee ligament and a bout with thyroid cancer within her first 2 1/2 years of college only strengthened Elms’ resolve while she developed into one of the Rainbow Wahine softball program’s most decorated players.

Along the way, Elms turned those experiences into a tool to help others.

Although admittedly averse to addressing crowds growing up, Elms opened up when asked about the challenges she’d faced. Soon a schedule with large blocks already reserved for school and softball included speaking engagements with youth teams, schools and churches on enduring tough times.

"I never was a good public speaker. I was really shy in high school," Elms said. "People asked me to do it, so I had to get better at it, which is a great thing. I really enjoy it. I enjoy talking and giving inspiration to others.

"It wasn’t like I was doing it every day, but whenever someone asked I did it because I thought it was important and I enjoyed it."

The time Elms volunteered contributed to her place among the nine finalists for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award to be presented Sunday in Indianapolis.

The award goes to a student-athlete who has completed her eligibility, and it recognizes community service and leadership along with athletic and academic achievements.

Elms will be joined in Indianapolis by her husband, Josh, her parents and her sisters. Her contingent will also include UH coach Bob Coolen and athletic department staff and administrators.

"To be nominated for this and make it so deep, one out of nine out of (455) that were initially put in, that is just unreal," Coolen said.

Coolen also accompanied Elms and former UH teammate Jenna Rodriguez to the ESPY awards in the summer of 2010. The Rainbow Wahine had been nominated for Best Upset for their win over top-seeded Alabama on their way to the College World Series.

Not long after the ESPYs, Elms was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and underwent surgery and radiation treatment. Despite the physically draining procedures, she was back in her customary spot leading off the batting order the following spring.

She started all 232 games while helping UH claim three conference championships during a 176-56 four-year run. She hit .335, and her 72 home runs ranks ninth on the NCAA career list.

Elms was also named an Academic All-American this year and became the first UH player to earn NFCA Scholar-Athlete honors (which require a 3.5 grade-point average) five times, including a redshirt year spent recovering from a torn ACL.

"When I sat out for my knee I learned so much from that and that really motivated me to want to be on the field for the next four years," Elms said. "I didn’t miss a game and that helped me stay up."

Having graduated with a degree in secondary education in the spring, Elms is now a PE teacher at Liholiho Elementary and conducts private hitting lessons most afternoons.

She continues to share her story through her involvement in UH’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter and spoke at the Punahou football team’s training camp in August.

While she addresses dealing with cancer, her message extends beyond that aspect.

"I was also showing them that it doesn’t matter what your hardship is, whether it’s your parents are going through a divorce or you’re doing bad in a class, whatever it is. There’s hardship in our lives and there’s ways to overcome it," Elms said. "I just shared my experiences and shared my faith."

Before departing for Indianapolis, Elms was preparing just in case she’s called upon to speak during Sunday’s award ceremony. Whatever the outcome, her final college function figures to reflect the upbeat demeanor she’s maintained throughout.

"That’s just kind of how I am. I like to be positive, I like to be happy," she said. "I did go through a lot of hardship through college and it could feel like ‘Oh man, that was a bad experience.’ But I had a blast."