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By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/3/09
Re-Posted 4/14/10
Downingtown East junior midfielder Kelly Devlin has made a verbal commitment to 
play Division I lacrosse at the University of North Carolina.
Devlin was a first-team All-Ches-Mont League and Third-Team All-Phillylacrosse.com pick in 2009 when she helped the Cougars finish 12-8 and reach the second round of the District 1 tournament.
Devlin recorded 47 goals, 43 assists, and 108 groundballs last year and was a member of the Philly team that placed third at the Under Armour Underclassmen Games. Devlin also was on the Philly1 team that claimed the title at the US Lacrosse National Tournament in May.
Devlin also was a member of Downingtown East’s 2009 District 1 championship basketball team. She plays club lacrosse for PA Express.
Devlin considered Virginia, Duke, Northwestern and Florida.
Devlin becomes the second Philly girl in the junior class to make an early commitment to an Atlantic Coast Conference power. Last month Episcopal Academy midfielder Taylor Trimble committed to Duke.
Academically, Devlin is a member of the National Honor Society and possesses a 3.92 GPA.
Devlin said the combination of a strong lacrosse program – the Tar Heels reached the NCAA finals last year – and varied academics made UNC s attractive.
“Really, when I went down to visit it was the perfect package,” she said. “They have a great experienced (team) that fights hard all the time, and the atmosphere is amazing.
“They all love athletics; the students and faculty are so supportive of any sport. I don’t know what I will major in, but they have a huge variety and I could go anywhere I want to.”
Devlin got to spend some time in her visit with UNC freshman Emily Garrity, a Strath Haven graduate and last year’s Phillylacrosse.com Player of the Year. Devlin also noted she is excited at the opportunity to be part of a team that can challenge for a national title.
“Something like that would be so fulfilling,” she said.
For now, Devlin can look forward to the spring season of scholastic lacrosse. She is confident that Downingtown East can challenge for a Ches-Mont League crown.
“I think we’ll be really good,” Devlin said. “We will miss our (graduated) seniors a lot, but we have some people in my class and the one above me. We’ll work really hard and see where it goes.”
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