At a school that is known for its top-tier athletics, many students help shape the program to support this reputation. Prominent Lady Dub Anna Kate O’Kelley brings smiles and laughs to the lacrosse team here at NAHS. Although she started junior year, she has certainly made an impact on lacrosse in such a short time. This year, she participated in both cross country in the fall and lacrosse in the spring.
It is common for incoming freshmen to decide which sport they will try out for from the get-go, but this is not the case for O’Kelley. With her older brother Jack participating in football and lacrosse in prior years, she decided she wanted to play lacrosse to honor him. “I know that he would want me to play a sport, especially lacrosse because of how amazing the NAHS women’s lacrosse program is,” said O’Kelley.
After only two years of playing lacrosse, O’Kelley has certainly become attached. She started late, yet it did not stop her from rapidly improving. Lacrosse is not an easy sport, yet she took that risk and succeeded. Coaches Geneva Rumer and Sydney Haag’s contribution to O’Kelley’s growth is certainly not overlooked. “I know this might make me seem like a suck up, but I truly will miss the coaches just as much as the players, ”said O’Kelley.
This year, the women’s lacrosse program’s ability to both click as a team and work hard has developed beyond years past. As a senior, O’Kelley knew that she held an important role in bringing the team together. Between the motivating huddles, laughs during practice, dinners after games, karaoke on the bus, the bonds that were created this 2025 season are ones that will last forever. Due to her inability to pinpoint a specific favorite memory, it is clear that her experience as a Lady Dub has been nothing short of 24/7 fun. O’Kelley said, “Every memory I have can be grouped as perfect, because both years have been such great experiences.”
Between O’Kelley’s extensive contribution to returning joy to such a mentally challenging sport and her kindness to each player regardless of their age, her presence will be greatly missed. While she’s number 6 on the field, she is number 1 in the hearts of all who know her.
