Head women's lacrosse coach Tommy Kelly explains why he coaches: 

I think my "why" is simple and cliché. The reason I coach is because I want to positively affect other people. I believe I am somewhat selfish because there is no better feeling than building a relationship with our athletes, watching/helping them grow up during probably the most confusing part of their lives, only to watch them graduate and accomplish what they set out to do. That is what I believe to be the most rewarding part of my job as a coach. I have committed to the job of empowering people; yes I coach women, but I also coach any kid or person that needs my advice. It's a button that I can't shut off. I want you to understand that I am not just a lacrosse coach. I coach individuals to be better in all aspect of their lives and help them build confidence to face the obstacles this world will throw at them. I challenge them to have a voice but to also be understanding of people's opinions that may differ from theirs. In my position as women's lacrosse coach I get to empower women and advocate for them, because I've seen first-hand the positive things strong and confident women can accomplish.

I believe I was placed in this position to help people open their minds (not everyone but anyone willing) to different possibilities. I am not your conventional lacrosse coach. I may not dress the same, talk the same, or come from similar backgrounds as a lot of others, but that doesn't matter, because I am accepted for my character and nothing else. I didn't play the sport growing up, so someone had to take a chance on me as a "person". We as coaches impact our student-athletes, but also the teams/coaches we encounter along our journey. I want to change people's perception on everything! A diverse team of girls working together effectively towards a common goal, that doesn't give into the evils surrounding gender and race. Changing athletes' lives for the better is the ultimate goal, again all selfish reasons why I love coaching.

Most importantly, why I love my job is because my team and the sport has accepted me for me. I am an African-American male in women's lacrosse (you think it's weird, I say I'm right where I need to be). I get to show them a side that is not always portrayed. I get to show my team a loving, compassionate man that would do anything to protect them. A man you don't have to be afraid of or fear, but someone who loves unconditionally. I get to show parents that a person can have no family ties and love your kid so strongly. Hopefully this cycle can continue and the more people I can help affect, I hope that they can do the same for someone else! A lot of small changes will equal a big change, again I do it for selfish reasons!