Lower Merion’s Carolyn Kelly is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week (Oct. 3-9)

The sophomore center midfielder has been a key factor in the Aces’ fine soccer season (the team is 11-1 as of Oct. 3, and ranked No. 3 in the PIAA District 1 4A girls soccer rankings). “Carolyn has been instrumental in our success this season,” said Lower Merion girls soccer head coach Kevin Ries.  She has great vision and anticipates the next pass really well.  Carolyn is a true box to box midfield with a high motor, and does a great job linking up with our forwards. She wins 50/50 balls in the midfield, and is tough on the ball.” Off the pitch, Kelly participates in Best Buddies.

 

Q: Tell us a little about your responsibilities and leadership role on the field as a center midfielder.

A: As a center midfielder, I always have to be aware of where everyone is on the field and position myself well. It is my responsibility to get in the middle of things and break up the opponent’s passes to gain control of the ball. Because my position connects the defense and the offense, I have to constantly work as the link in the middle to possess the ball and combine with the rest of the team.

Q: What do you think has been the key(s) to the success of the Aces so far this season?

 

A: I think the key to our success so far this season has been our hard work and how close we are as a team. Each person supports everyone else however they can. When something doesn’t go our way, we don’t give up, and our teamwork helps us succeed. Recently we have faced a lot of injuries, so it is crucial that we continue to stay determined and keep playing our hardest.

Q: What do you think is the strongest part of your game? What part of your game have you worked on the most recently?

 

A: I think the strongest part of my game is reading the field and being in the right spot to break up passes and make plays. Recently, I’ve tried to work on my through balls to the front line and taking shots more often which means keeping an offensive mindset even though I am usually in a central defensive position. 

 

Q: Tell us a little about your start in soccer. Who have been your top soccer mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each of them?

 

A: I started playing soccer on an intramural team when I was 7 with a bunch of my friends. As I continued to play, I found that I enjoyed my games and practices more than anything else and my love for soccer just continued to grow. My Lower Merion Soccer Club coach (Nico Severini) has been with me for five years and some of the most important things he has taught me are to love the game above everything else and the mindset of team together, that you have to work together to be successful. My school soccer coach (Kevin Ries) has taught me that the most important play is the next one and not to get too excited after a big win so you don’t overlook the next game.

 

Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a game.

 

A: Before my games, I try to visualize plays in my head and imagine myself playing my best in the game. I always talk to my mom before my games and she tells me to play in Beast Mode, which helps me to get excited. I also like to listen to pump up music with my team.

 

Q: What is your favorite academic course at Lower Merion?

 

A: My favorite academic course at Lower Merion is probably Biology. It was really fun for me to try all of the labs and it was cool to learn about a lot of new things that are relevant to my life.

 

Fun facts – Carolyn Kelly

Favorite book: We Were Liars.

Favorite author: Kwame Alexander.

Favorite TV show: The Great British Baking Show.

Favorite movie: The Parent Trap.

Favorite athlete: Julie Ertz or Frances Tiafoe.

Favorite pre-game pump-up song: International Love (ft Chris Brown) by Pitbull.

Favorite team: Liverpool FC.

Favorite place to visit: Atlantis, Bahamas.

Favorite pre-game meal: Chicken or pasta.

Person I most admire, and why: “My mom because she is always doing what is best for everyone around her and has a big heart.”

Family members: parents Paul and Debbie and sister Michelle.

 

(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)