Kelsey Homberg: Coached By Your Sister Creates Unique Opportunity

College athletics can be a difficult time, but for rising sophomore Kelsey Homberg, having your older sister, Kaitlin, as your college coach creates a unique experience.

The 5-foot 7-inch rising sophomore from Livingston, N.J. was a two-sport athlete in high school, playing both lacrosse and soccer. During her soccer career at Livingston High School, Homberg was voted the best defender during the 2016 season.

Photo Courtesy of Jack Imburgia (instagram @Imburgiaimages)

During her time on the Lancer’s girl’s lacrosse team, Homberg received 2019 All-League honors, during her senior season, and was a two-time All-Conference Second Team Member (2018 and 2019) during her junior and senior seasons.

When it came time for younger Homberg to begin her college search, Susquehanna was immediately at the top of her list, with her sister previously playing lacrosse for the University. However, it was her interaction with coach (Randall) Swope and the rest of the team on her visits.

Homberg said, “[M]y sister played lacrosse at Susquehanna, but the main reason I came was the people, head coach Randall Swope and the team culture.”

Following her graduation from Susquehanna, sister Kaitlin joined the River Hawks coaching staff as an assistant coach, now coaching Kelsey.

Having your sibling, who also played collegiate athletics, as your coach provides valuable insight, but can also be difficult.

“It’s nice to have that insight from a coach who has played at the Division 3 level especially (in) our conference. (However,) it can be difficult to find boundaries between being my sister and my coach,” Homberg said.

For her first season with the River Hawks, it was different than what a normal season would be, given the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a shorter season, and only playing conference opponents.

However, the young Homberg enjoyed a successful first year as a member of the River Hawks women’s lacrosse team, collecting 10 goals and one assist, out of the midfield position, playing for coach Swope and sister Kaitlin.

Additionally, following the season, in which the River Hawks compiled a 4-5 record, and falling in the conference semifinals, Homberg was named to the 2021 Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association All-Boardwalk Regional Second Team.

With her first season behind her, Homberg has learned some valuable lessons that she is going to take with her through her remaining years at Susquehanna.

“I learned that confidence is key and that you have to go into every game believing that you are going to play your best,” Homberg said. “I took away that you’re not owed anything, you have to earn it and take every day like one step at a time because you never know what is going to happen.”