Kylie Kelce is determined not to let her growing public profile interfere with her passion for coaching.
Kelce, 32, will resume her role as the varsity field hockey coach at Lower Merion High School in Philadelphia when the season starts this fall, continuing to embrace the challenges of her role as a former college athlete.
“One of the most important aspects of being a high school coach, especially in a public school setting, is that we work with a diverse range of athletes,” Kelce told on Thursday, August 15.
“Some athletes will go on to play at the Division I level, while others may not continue beyond their senior year and are there just to enjoy the sport and spend time with friends. In our program, everyone is welcome.”
This upcoming season will be Kelce’s eighth consecutive year coaching the Lower Merion Aces. “I believe that team sports are instrumental in teaching individuals how to collaborate effectively,” she added.
Kelce further emphasized the importance of the lessons learned on the field. “Even for those who don’t continue playing after high school, they still gain valuable skills,” she said.
“We aim to build their confidence and ability to work within a team, whether in sports, the workplace, or a classroom setting.”
Having played field hockey at Division III Cabrini University, Kelce underscores the significance of team dynamics. “You don’t have to like everyone on your team, but you must love and respect them,” she said.
“These values are crucial for becoming a well-rounded person and preparing for life beyond high school.”
As the mother of three—daughters Wyatt, 4, Ellie, 3, and Bennett, 18 months, whom she shares with husband Jason Kelce—Kylie explained that the lessons imparted during field hockey practice serve as a metaphor for life outside the game.
“Yes, we focus on skills and endurance to improve our chances in field hockey, but my ultimate goal is to help them succeed in life,” Kylie said. “We prioritize character-building opportunities, which are central to our coaching approach.”
As Kylie gears up for the new coaching season, Jason is preparing to go on his next professional endeavor as a cohost on ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown.
This role follows his announcement of retirement from the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this year after 13 NFL seasons.
“I’m most excited to see Jason thrive in his new role,” Kylie commented on Jason’s new position.
“I often joke that it’s a pain that he excels at everything, and while I admit I’m biased, I genuinely believe he is successful because, even if he starts off not being the best, he works relentlessly until he achieves excellence.”