Broadneck High School’s Katy Kelley, who retired after 25 years with the girls lacrosse program including 11 as head coach, has been named the 2024-25 National Girls Lacrosse Coach of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Associations. The award recognizes her leadership in guiding the Annapolis school to five consecutive Maryland Public Secondary School Athletic Association Class 4A state championships from 2021 through 2025.
Kelley, a science teacher at Broadneck, spent a quarter-century involved with the team, starting as an assistant under head coach Karen Tengwall for 12 years. That period included three state titles. She assumed head coaching duties in 2014 and secured her first championship as leader in 2021, the first season following the COVID-19 pandemic disruptions. Her teams have won the state title every year since, totaling five straight under her direction and contributing to eight overall state championships during her tenure.
“This recognition is truly humbling, and I’m deeply thankful,” Kelley said. “The honor belongs to the Broadneck lacrosse program as a whole. It is a reflection of the dedication of outstanding assistant coaches, a supportive and grounded Broadneck athletic culture, and the relentless effort and competitive spirit shown by the talented and selfless athletes who have represented our values exceptionally throughout the years.”
Broadneck Athletics Director Kevin Necessary highlighted the broader impact of her work. “Coach Kelley’s impact on Broadneck athletics is immeasurable,” Necessary said. “She never needed five consecutive state championships to be one of the greatest coaches of all time. That was just the culmination of a career that, in many ways, is unparalleled. She leaves a legacy of hard work, commitment and being a role model in our community.”
Kelley’s additional honors include being named Washington Post Coach of the Year in 2024 and Chesapeake Chapter of US Lacrosse Coach of the Year in 2025. She has also served as the MPSSAA Class 4A East Region Tournament Director, extending her influence beyond her program.
The NFHS Coaches Association selects national coaches of the year across sports to honor excellence in high school coaching, focusing on on-field success, program development, and positive community influence. Kelley’s philosophy emphasizes building a positive team culture where athletes understand their roles and contribute to the broader school and community.
While Broadneck High School is located in Anne Arundel County, adjacent to Southern Maryland jurisdictions like Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties, high school sports achievements in the region often highlight interconnected athletic networks through the MPSSAA. Maryland’s public school lacrosse landscape features strong programs in multiple areas, with consistent state tournament participation from Southern Maryland teams in various classifications. The sport continues to grow statewide, supported by dedicated coaches who foster discipline, teamwork, and long-term player development.
Kelley’s retirement follows the 2025 state championship, marking the end of an era for the Broadneck Bruins girls lacrosse program. Her award adds national recognition to a career defined by sustained excellence and mentorship.