Senior captain Charlie Kelly holds the many traits that are necessary in order to be a successful leader. A two year Birmingham Unified lacrosse captain and a two time captain for the Maple Soccer program, Kelly thrives in the role of captainship that only a select few are able to handle.
Kelly embraced the role of a leader at a young age when he played goalie during youth hockey. He also found a way to meet a lot of guys through leadership while he was a part of Seaholm Soccer.
“I didn’t know many people so I decided to get to know a lot of guys by becoming a leader,” Kelly said.
Kelly is in his final season as a member of the Birmingham Unified Lacrosse team, and is a key asset to the success in the postseason. Kelly hopes that his work ethic he puts in day- in and day-out will rub off on his entire team throughout the season.
“As a captain, I try to lead by example by always working hard and doing my job on the field,” Kelly said. “I hope that my teammates will see that and try to do the same.”
Senior teammate Jake Drutchas recognizes how valuable Kelly is on the B.U. Lacrosse team. Drutchas believes Kelly’s optimism, athleticism, and work ethic will be key to the success of B.U.
“He brings an unbreakable positive mentality and knowledge of the game as well as extremely powerful work ethic,” Drutchas said. “In terms of how valuable he is, he is an integral part of the team.”
Junior teammate Jake Kiehle believes Kelly’s role as a captain has led to the progression and respect of the underclassmen.
“Charlie uses great leadership skills to show underclassmen the way,” Kiehle said. “He really is a role model, and for underclassmen, a figure to look up to.”
Junior teammate Kevin Covey believes Kelly is not only valuable on the field but off the field as well.
“Charlie is valuable on the field with his sick dangles and is the vocal leader,” Covey said. “Off the field, he has such a hard work ethic that makes everyone push that much more.”
B.U. Head Coach Jeff Martin puts a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of Kelly and his fellow captains. Tasks such as helping the team get ready for games, helping other players that may not know exactly what to do, and making sure the defense is under control and running smoothly, force Kelly to push that much harder than others.
“My coach expects me to handle these responsibilities and always go as hard as I can,” Kelly said.
Kelly believes these experiences will be very helpful next year when he is attending West Point. The constructive criticism a captain endures helped Kelly deal with the intense training and criticism he has gone through.
“I need to work and interact with people and sometimes give them constructive criticism, and I think at West Point I will have to work with other cadets to get stuff done as well,” said Kelly.
Also, Kelly thinks having to do these things during games will help him cope with the stress that he’ll have to deal with next year at West Point.
“Sometimes it can get stressful and I’m sure that’s something I’m going to be dealing with at a whole new level next year,” Kelly said.
Drutchas believes the traits Kelly has to offer will carry over perfectly next year to West Point.
“His leadership along with intelligence and athleticism I think will transfer amazingly at West Point,” said Drutchas. “He embodies the characteristics that I feel the military should look for.”
Kiehle believes Kelly’s mental toughness and his coaching ability will drive him to excel at West Point.
“Being a leader for Charlie has always been in his blood and comes easy,” Kiehle said. “I think these qualities have been planted in his brain.”
When the lacrosse season is all said and done, Kelly wants his teammates and coaches to remember how hard he worked for the sake of the team.
“I want them to remember that I always worked as hard as I could to help the team,” Kelly said.
Covey will always remember the positive attitude Kelly brought toward others and the phenomenal work ethic that a leader needs.
“Charlie will always be embraced by the qualities he brings to the table,” Covey said. “He is a great player and a great guy.”
