Keira Kelly watched the past four years at St. Charles North flash right before her eyes.
The senior midfielder was caught in a whirlwind of emotions, memories and sharp reflection.
“I think it’s incredible to be with this group of girls,” Kelly said afterward. “It’s going to be really hard to leave this team. I’ve learned being part of this program that we stand by each other.
“And we fight for each other.”
That fight, for now, came to an end Friday for the North Stars in a 6-0 loss to Wheaton Warrenville South in the Class 3A Glenbard West Sectional championship game in Glen Ellyn.
Kelly generated four shots on goal for St. Charles North (11-6-3), which was aiming for a third straight sectional title. The bittersweet result didn’t dull a remarkable career and legacy for Kelly.
As a sophomore, the three-year varsity regular played in the supersectional. She also saw action last spring in a state championship game setback to New Trier that was decided by penalty kicks.
“I was placed in different roles throughout the years,” Kelly said. “I think this year, it was really about how to keep the team going. It was about how to help players if they had problems off the field or just be that confidence boost for the girls.
“I think that made me very communicative.”
Senior defender Courtney Suhr fought back tears talking about a friendship with Kelly that began when they played together in a recreational league at age 5.
The two are set to be roommates at Kansas, where they both hope to participate in club soccer.
“We’ve seen each other grow,” Suhr said. “We’ve been on club teams where we’ve been torn apart and now our high school team. Keira is one of my favorite people ever.
“She’s very strong and courageous and it definitely translates onto the field because nothing ever gets past her. She always dominates on the field.”
Kelly finished the season with two goals and an assist, but St. Charles North coach Brian Harks said her impact transcends numbers. She was the connecting thread and an emotional spark.
The intangibles told everything.
“She does so many little things that help make her teammates look good,” Harks said. “She makes the play or the pass that sets up the play that leads to a big goal.
“It doesn’t matter the stakes of the game or if it’s a practice, Keira is a tremendous competitor who leads by example.”
While subtle in being a difference-maker, Kelly brought a distinctive quality to her style of play that carried larger consequences.
“I like to pass and give-and-go quickly,” she said. “I think I’m a very strong player, on and off the ball. I think I connect with the team really well.
“We all hang out together outside of soccer. We bond a lot, and I’m very supportive and helpful.”
Her brother Liam, is four years older and was a standout for the boys soccer team at St. Charles North. He was her earliest inspiration. His manner and ease brought her to the game.
“I actually wanted to play because of him,” she said. “I wanted to become who he was on the field. I watched him, and he was a huge reason why I fell in love with the game,”
Creative off the field, Kelly and Suhr managed the team’s social media accounts and came up with original material. Kelly also draws and paints when she’s not playing the game.
Kelly, who intends to study marketing in college, has always found joy in playing soccer.
“This is your family, you play for them and you love the game,” Kelly said. “You play for the little girl you once were and for those who want to be you.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
