University of Richmond Athletics
Kicking A Dream
08/06/2008 | Women's Lacrosse
Aug. 6, 2008
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. - Incoming freshman Kalyn McDonough recently made history by becoming the first female to participate in the Valor Bowl a Pennsylvania All-Star football game. Although McDonough kicked the extra point of the South team's only touchdown, her football career was just a small example of her athletic versatility that attracted Richmond women's lacrosse head coach Sue Murphy.
"Kalyn's athletic ability in general is exceptional," Murphy said. "She is an outstanding runner with agility and speed that puts her upon the best in her recruited class. That athleticism coupled with her natural left hand in lacrosse, Kalyn is bound to impact our midfield. When I learned about the football kicking career, I knew this was my kind of player. It is extremely impressive that her fellow male teammates respect her ability."
Finishing her career at Unionville High School, where more than 20 student-athletes have received Division I scholarships, McDonough was selected by her fellow senior class as Unionville's top athlete.
While maintaining a 4.2 GPA, McDonough has received varsity letters in cross country, indoor track, lacrosse and football. While receiving All-League and All-District honors in cross-country and lacrosse, McDonough also played travel softball for the Delaware Valley Blaze and lacrosse for South East Pennsylvania (SEPA) Lacrosse Club. The midfielder has averaged four points per game consisting of a pair of goals and assists for SEPA so far this season.
"We hope to have Kalyn run the midfield as she is tenacious with caused turnovers, has great speed to develop the fast break and can run the left side of the cage for us," said Murphy.
In May 2008 the best high school football players from all over Pennsylvania faced off in the Valor Bowl where McDonough was the first ever female participant. After scoring over 40 points as the place kicker for the Indians, coaches selected McDonough to compete in the All-Star game for the South squad. Although her team struggled to score just one touchdown, McDonough polished the six-points off with the extra point.
As a senior captain of the Unionville Indians Women's Lacrosse team, McDonough led the team to a 16-6 record on the season and was the only player to score multiple goals in their final game against Great Valley.
As a two-time lacrosse Academic All-American, McDonough has established herself as a competitor both on the field and in the classroom.
"Kalyn is a perfectionist in all that she does both on and off the field and will be a fantastic ambassador for the University of Richmond," said Murphy. "We feel strongly that she, along with an outstanding '08 class, will help catapult our lacrosse program to the next level nationally."