National Football Foundation

Rated by many experts as one of the top quarterback prospects in the nation during his career at Auburn High School, Kellen Kiilsgaard's success extends far beyond the football field. 

During his high school graduation commencement, Kellen claimed the Auburn Elite Faculty Achievement Award. This prestigious award requires two-thirds vote of the staff and is only given to a graduating senior who has brought honor to self and school, reaching beyond the bounds of community and the state. He ranked tenth in a class of 354 while compiling a 3.95 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Kellen also received the Washington State University Regents Scholar Award. 

As a two-way star for the Auburn High School football squad, Kiilsgaard was chosen to Prepstar's All-American Team. During his senior campaign, the QB threw for 1,020 yards and 13 touchdowns and rushed 973 yards and another 23 touchdowns, leading his team to the state semifinals and a 12-1 record. At free safety, he notched 57 tackles and four interceptions. He also kicked 56 of 59 extra points while maintaining a 39.7 punt average. 

The Associated Press named him All-State First-Team quarterback and All-State First-Team defensive back. The 6-foot-3 and 220 pound Kiilsgaard earned Player of the Year honors from The Seattle Post-Intelligencer and The Tacoma News Tribune. The News Tribune and the Auburn Reporter also choose him as the Male Athlete of the Year. He finished his remarkable career as his school's all-time leader in almost every offensive category. 

Kiilsgaard also excelled baseball, earning All-State First-Team honors and spots on The Seattle Times and The Tacoma New Tribune All-Area baseball squads. Kellen became the first high school athlete to hit a homerun at Mariners Safeco Stadium and was also selected to throw out the Ceremonial First Pitch at a Mariners game. 

Excellence in the classroom and in athletics only tells part of Kiilsgaard's story. Recently, he stepped into the realm of hero, swimming to rescue a 250-pound man and his 7 year-old daughter from choppy seas while vacationing in Maui, Hawaii. He received the Hometown Hero Award from the City of Auburn; was recognized by the Red Cross; and has been nominated for a Carnegie Medal for his gallant actions. He also mentors a "Little Brother" as part of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America. 

"The greatest Student-Athlete is the one that can excel in the classroom and set an example of behavior and citizenship for all students to follow," says Auburn High School Principal Paul Harvey. "Kellen is that kind of student and he has not forgotten his responsibilities as a student and that he is part of a community that is much larger than he is, and he has handled all of it with poise and humility." 

Kellen attended Stanford University and played one season on the football team before starring on the Cardinal baseball team in his final three years. He played two years in the farm system of the Houston Astros and is currently a broker account manager for LendingHome Corporation in San Francisco.