Jersey Mike’s Spring Senior Spotlight: Trinity Hall’s Colleen Kelly

With schools closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the high school sports season suspended, seniors who play spring sports are missing out on their final athletic opportunities. With that in mind, each week during the spring the Shore Sports Network will feature a senior athlete who would normally be making headlines on the field, diamond, track, golf course, tennis court or volleyball court. Each athlete will receive a $25 Jersey Mike’s gift card as the iconic Jersey Shore business continues its support of Shore Conference athletics.

Name: Colleen Kelly 

School: Trinity Hall 

Spring Sport: Lacrosse

Position: Midfield

Bio: A returning first-team All-Shore and third-team All-Group 1 selection, Kelly had an outstanding junior year for an up-and-coming Monarchs team that reached the Central Jersey Group 1 sectional final for the first time in program history. Kelly was among the state leaders in goals with 88 last season while adding 25 assists, 72 ground balls, 73 draw controls and 23 forced turnovers to help Trinity Hall go 17-5. For her career, Kelly totaled 174 goals and 52 assists for 226 points.

Other sports: “I've played soccer and basketball for Trinity Hall since my freshman year!”

College plans: “I will be attending Bucknell University next year!”

How are you staying in shape/practicing your sport: “I have been playing a lot of wall ball and practicing my shooting, along with conditioning and strength-building circuits.”

Hardest part of being out of school/sports: “I would say the hardest part of being out of school and sports would be not seeing my teammates and classmates every day. I truly miss playing alongside my teammates who have grown to be some of my best friends. I miss the competitive games, nail-biting wins, and the rewarding feeling of celebrating with my teammates. I would do anything to get back out there with my team one last time.” 

One positive that has come from having to stay home: “Once quarantine started, I decided to redo my room! I sanded, spackled, and then painted. Redoing my room gave me a hands-on activity to focus my energy and mind. It was very rewarding once I finished the project! “

Favorite stay-at-home activity: “I would say my favorite activity during this time would be playing Jeopardy as a family. Granted we did this prior to quarantine, but it has been a way for me to be involved in some competitive aspect.”

Coach’s corner: “Colleen Kelly joined the Trinity Hall lacrosse team four years ago and has forever changed the program. From the start, Colleen was determined to define commitment, work ethic and perseverance, and to above all else support the team in its pursuit of creating a culture of excellence. While her character has been the foundation of her growth as a leader, it has also shaped her into an elite lacrosse player. When she steps on the field, her impact is immediately noticed through her versatility on both ends of the field, her decision making in high-intensity situations, and her ability to command the ball and finish strong. While the team will miss Colleen's dedication to achieving the highest standards as a player, a teammate and person, we are grateful for the strong foundation she has worked relentlessly to build in such a short period of time.” – Dana Lenneper, Trinity Hall lacrosse head coach.

Managing editor Bob Badders can be reached at bob.badders@townsquaremedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Bob_Badders. Like Shore Sports Network on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel for all the latest video highlights.