By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 2/6/09
Notre Dame Academy senior midfielder Kelly McCallion has committed to Pennsylvania.
McCallion, a first-team All-American last year, cited the coaching staff and the city 
campus as her major reasons for choosing last season’s NCAA Division I runner-up.
“What attracted me to Penn was how the staff was so welcoming to me,” she said. “They love their program and I know that if a coach loves her program, they’ll be successful.
“When I went for my first visit, I just got the feeling that this was the school for me. It’s a great environment. I loved the campus at Penn; the busy city surrounds a college setting. It is the best of both worlds!”
McCallion is undecided about what she will study at Penn, but she is excited to play in a program that has elevated itself to the top echelon of Division I under highly regarded coach Karin Brower. McCallion also will get to play with Springfield-Delco senior Madison Poplawski, a fellow All-American who has committed to Penn.
“Oh yeah, it’s been a dream to play at that level,” said McCallion. “I can’t believe it’s actually becoming a reality. And she (Brower) is a phenomenal coach and a great lady.
“Maddie is a great player and I look forward to four strong years of lacrosse with her as a teammate.”
Last year McCallion pumped in 81 goals and dished off 42 assists for the Fighting Irish, earning second-team All-Phillylacrosse.com honors and helping Notre Dame finish 14-6 overall. This year McCallion is confident the irish can challenge for the Inter-Ac league championship.
“I think we will be very strong this year,” she said. “We return a lot of key players this year and lost only one starter. We are looking strong.
“Everybody is excited for the season. We have the attitude that if we give everything we have, have no regrets and work together, we’ll be successful.”
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