Kelsey is a natural
born leader

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

Although she is one of the younger players on the George Washington High School soccer team, that didn’t stop Kelsey Palmer from being one of the best.
The 15-year-old forward was the top scorer for the Eagles this year, helping them go undefeated in regular-season play. But that success evaporated in the second round of the playoffs, a 4-0 loss to Franklin Towne Charter on May 12.
"I think we had a good season," said Palmer. "A lot of the girls never played soccer before, so I tried to help them."
Having been a regular on soccer fields since fourth grade, Palmer is one of the more experienced players on the Eagles’ squad. And she was quite happy to help out in a leadership role.
At home, she’s adjusting to a role with far more importance — motherhood.
"It’s a lot different than I thought it would be," said Palmer, who gave birth to son Chase four months ago. "It’s great, but it’s really hectic. Luckily, my mom helps a lot. She watches him in the afternoon when I’m at school. She’s really good with him."
Palmer seems to have adjusted to her academic and maternal demands, juggling books and baby bottles on a daily basis. She has even squeezed in some time to get her kicks on the pitch.
Although the Eagles’ season is over, Palmer won’t be putting away her soccer spikes just yet. For the past three years, she has played halfback for the Fox Chase Lightning tournament soccer squad, and the new season has just begun.
"Kelsey rededicated herself to soccer," said Lightning coach Fran Casey. "Every year she gets a little better and a little faster. She’s always improving."
The Lightning team competes year round, participating in the Inter-County Division 1 through the fall and in an indoor league at the Northeast Racquet Club during the winter.
During the past two seasons, Palmer helped her squad to consecutive Inter-County Division I championships, and she also led her team to an indoor championship in 2006.
"I think playing year round helps us a lot," said Casey. "It keeps them in shape. Plus, all of my team plays varsity soccer for their schools as well. The more touches they get, the better they get."
The Lightning squad kick-started its tournament season last weekend at the Shoot for a Cure competition, held at the Ukrainian-American Sports Center in North Wales.
The two-day tournament donated 100 percent of net proceeds to the Philadelphia affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
The Lightning went undefeated in the tournament, posting three shutouts. They defeated the Montgomery Soccer Club, 4-0; Western Lehigh Valley, 2-0; and Spirit United, 1-0, good enough for first place at the Shoot for a Cure tournament.
"We’re just starting to play tournaments, so it’s really exciting," said Palmer. "I like how it’s so fast-paced, and there’s a lot of running around. I like the aggressiveness of it."
And, of course, the Palmer fan club — mom Trish, dad Louis and son Chase — are cheering for Kelsey from the sidelines.
"They come to all my games," she said. "When I’m playing, it’s really cool to look over and see that they’re there." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com