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News Release

Kelly Berger Named Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach at UMBC

5/18/2009

Kelly Berger

BALTIMORE—Director of Athletics Dr. Charles Brown today announced that Kelly Berger has been promoted to head women’s lacrosse coach at UMBC, replacing Courtney Connor, whose contract has not been renewed. Connor coached the Retrievers for the last four seasons; Berger spent the last two as an assistant at UMBC.

“I’m really excited,” Berger said. “I know I have a lot to learn, but I feel I’ve had wonderful mentors and believe they have prepared me very well. I’m excited for what the future will bring and I know I have a great administration behind me to support me.”

Berger was a four-year starter and two-year team captain at James Madison University, where she led the Dukes in scoring in each of her last three seasons and finished her career in 2007 ranking second all-time in career goals (184) and points (262) and third in assists (78). That season, she helped lead the Dukes to a 13-5 record and the Colonial Athletic Association finals, where she scored four goals in a 15-13 loss to Hofstra.

A highly decorated midfielder, Berger is a two-time IWLCA All-American and three-time IWLCA All-South Region team member. She was named CAA Player of the Year in 2006, and she was selected to the All-CAA First Team in each of her last three seasons. Berger was also named CAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player in 2006, when she scored six goals to lead the Dukes to the league championship.

A Tewaaraton Trophy nominee in 2007, Berger was named MVP of the IWLCA North/South Senior All-Star Game, when she led the South squad to an 18-8 victory with four goals and an assist. She was a member of the U.S. Lacrosse Developmental Team in 2005-06, and she was a member of the U.S. Elite Team from 2006-08.

Berger was named James Madison team MVP in 2005 and 2006, and she earned team Rookie of the Year honors in 2004. She was also a finalist for the Greater Madison Athlete of the Year in 2007.

“Kelly did an outstanding job as our top assistant the last two seasons, and I believe she is ready to step up and coach our Retriever women’s lacrosse team,” Dr. Brown said. “She has been a success as both a player and an assistant coach, and I expect the same as a head coach and look forward to great things from our women’s lacrosse team.”

Berger graduated from James Madison in May 2007 with a degree in kinesiology with a concentration in sport management. A native of Columbia, Md., she attended Hammond High School, where she graduated as the school’s career scoring leader. Her brother, Stephen, was a three-time All-American at Division III Washington College. He currently plays for the Long Island Lizards of Major League Lacrosse and is a member of the U.S. Men’s National Team.