Kelly Roberts Brenninger was a standout two-sport athlete at Millersville, and in 1982, she helped the women’s lacrosse team capture the first and only national championship in the history of Marauder women’s athletics.
Roberts Brenninger was a starter in field hockey and women’s lacrosse from the moment she stepped on campus. Twice she was named the lacrosse team’s most outstanding defensive player and she also earned the same honor two times for field hockey. As a senior in 1984, Roberts Brenninger earned All-PSAC honors for her efforts on the lacrosse field.
During her sophomore season of 1982, Roberts Brenninger made a position switch. The team was hit by injuries and despite never playing in goal before, Brenninger stepped in as the starter. She was a natural, holding opponents to fewer than 10 goals in 13 of 15 games.
With her as the team’s last line of defense, it put together one of the most memorable post-season runs in the Millersville annals. The team entered the AIAW (Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women) playoffs with a 7-4-1 regular season mark. After topping Denison in the quarterfinals, it edged Franklin & Marshall 9-8 to reach the championship game. Using a stellar performance from Brenninger, the Marauders routed Lynchburg 10-3 to win the AIAW Division III Championship. In the three post-season contests, Roberts Brenninger allowed just 5.7 goals per game.
After graduating with a degree in special education in 1984 and earning a master’s of education from Kutztown, Roberts Brenninger put her playing experience to work as the field hockey and lacrosse head coach at Upper Perkiomen High School and middle school. As the high school mentor, she was named Pottstown Mercury Coach of the Year six times and Philadelphia Inquirer Coach of the Year twice.
Roberts Brenninger has taught in the Upper Perkiomen School District for the last 25 years.
