Stephen Patrick DeMaine Kelly Bio
Stephen Patrick DeMaine Kelly (born November 21, 1994) is an American lacrosse player who plays for Cannons Lacrosse Club of the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL). Kelly plays as a midfielder and face-off specialist and scored the first goal in PLL history in 2019. He was selected to play in the 2021 PLL All Star Game in San Jose, California.
Early Life and Background
Stephen Kelly was born at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, to Gayle and Frank Kelly III. He started playing lacrosse at age six at the Lutherville-Timonium Rec Council (LTRC). Kelly also played for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) National Team, which won the 2009 US Lacrosse U15 National Championship, where he was named to the All-Tournament Team. He continued playing lacrosse at Calvert Hall College High School, where he was a four-year letterman as a midfielder and face-off specialist. Kelly was named team captain during his senior year.
In addition to lacrosse, Kelly captained the football team at Calvert Hall, where he was a three-year starter. He helped lead the team to their first football championship in 28 years and was named first-team All-MIAA as a running back and All-State as a defensive back in 2012.
Path to Lacrosse
Kelly attended the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (UNC) from 2014 to 2017, where he played college lacrosse. During his time at UNC, he was a four-year starter at face-off and served as team captain his senior year. Kelly was awarded the Holmes Harden Sr. Memorial Award all four years for leading the team in ground balls and was a two-time All-American. He ranks second in all-time face-off wins and third in all-time most ground balls in UNC Lacrosse history.
Kelly was one of six UNC players selected in the MLL Draft as a sixth-round draft pick (#48) for the Chesapeake Bayhawks in 2017. He was selected to play in the 2018 MLL All-Star game against Team USA, marking the beginning of his professional career.
Stephen Patrick DeMaine Kelly Career
Early Career (2017-2019)
Kelly began his professional career with the Chesapeake Bayhawks in Major League Lacrosse (MLL) after being drafted in 2017. He quickly made a name for himself, being selected to the MLL All-Star Team in 2018. His performance helped lead the Bayhawks to an overtime victory over Team USA, showcasing his skills on a national stage.
In March 2019, the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) announced its roster, including Kelly as one of the Archers’ face-off specialists. He made history during the league’s opening game on June 1, 2019, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, where he won the first face-off, secured the first ground ball, and scored the first goal in PLL history just eleven seconds into the game.
Breakthrough (2019-Present)
Following his historic debut in the PLL, Kelly continued to excel as a player. He was traded to Cannons Lacrosse Club, where he currently plays. His performance has solidified his reputation as a top face-off specialist in the league. As of July 2019, he ranked third in league history for ground balls, further establishing his impact on the game.
Notable Works and Milestones
Stephen Kelly’s signature work includes his role as a key player in the Cannons Lacrosse Club and his historic contributions to the PLL. He has received accolades such as the MLL All-Star selection and the NCAA National Championship MVP award in 2016.
Stephen Patrick DeMaine Kelly Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Stephen Kelly has received notable nominations, including his selection to the MLL All-Star Team in 2018, recognizing his outstanding performance in professional lacrosse.
Stephen Patrick DeMaine Kelly Awards Won
Stephen Kelly has achieved significant milestones in his career, including being named the NCAA National Championship MVP in 2016 and winning the ACC Championship in 2017.
Stephen Patrick DeMaine Kelly Family
Stephen Kelly is married to Caroline Dilli, whom he wed in 2021. He has three siblings, and the family resides in Atlanta, Georgia.
Personal Life
Stephen Kelly graduated from the University of North Carolina with a degree in business administration. He currently works as a Director of Corporate Development at OneDigital Health and Benefits. Additionally, he is a co-owner of K-2 Lacrosse Training with his brother, Frankie Kelly. Outside of lacrosse, Kelly enjoys golf, tennis, and hiking.