“I am most proud of knowing that I can look back on this season without any regrets,” said senior Shea Kelleher. “I have accomplished the things I set out to achieve and given everything I had to this game.”
| Jayden Hunter, Photo Editor |
After four seasons with the Pioneers, Kelleher has established herself as one of the most accomplished players in women’s soccer program history.
The senior captain is now the program’s all-time leader in career assists with 17 and career points with 79. She also holds the record for the highest single-season point total with 32 and is tied with former Pioneer Morgan Bovardi for the most career goals at 31. Kelleher is also the only player in program history to score four goals in a single game.
“I started around the age of four, mostly in the backyard against my brother where I first learned how to compete,” said Kelleher. “I then started playing town soccer, then club, and every year I found more of a passion and love for the game.”
Through her club soccer team, Scorpions, she got in touch with SHU, where she could pursue her dream at the collegiate level under head coach Matt Micros.
Micros is in his ninth season and has watched Kelleher grow from a promising freshman to one of the best in the conference.
“Shea came in and had a strong freshman season, but she didn’t settle for that,” said Micros. “She has continued to improve each year and has become a leader on and off the field.”
Kelleher has made massive improvements both in her physical and mental game.
“I have learned to develop mental toughness, and that not every practice, game or day is going to be perfect,” said Kelleher. “Success doesn’t happen in the snap of a finger, it takes time.”
This improvement has allowed her to be feared by competitors across the conference, and now she is in SHU’s history books.
“When I found out I broke the first record, I was full of emotions, but if anything, I was super proud of all of the work I have put in that led to where I got to today,” said Kelleher.
While her records have caught many people’s attention, her contributions to the team go beyond just goals and assists. Senior captain Lyndsey Laperle has played alongside Kelleher for four seasons and now they both help lead the team.
“Being able to be captain with her and be an example for the team has meant a lot,” said Laperle. “She cares a lot about the team, and we always call to find ways to get the team closer.”
Kelleher’s success did not happen overnight, it was through extra training sessions, and an unstoppable work ethic.
“Shea works extremely hard on the field and in the weight room, and on the areas of the game that aren’t as fun to work,” said Micros.
“I want people to remember me as a gritty, hardworking, and dedicated player who always gave everything she had in her tank,” said Kelleher.
The Pioneers will close out their regular season against cross-town rival Fairfield University at 7 p.m. on Nov. 4 at Park Ave Field.
Athletic Communications contributed to this article.
