PrepNow Tutor - Kelly J.
An admissions consultant with expertise in athletic recruiting, Kelly holds a BA in communications with a minor in health sciences from Boston College. Kelly credits her journey into admissions consulting to her secondary boarding school experience, her time as a two-sport Division 1 athlete, and the opportunities sports have consistently provided her. “I’m passionate about helping students achieve their dreams and navigate one of the most transformative phases of their lives,” Kelly says.
After starting various club sports teams and becoming a certified field hockey and lacrosse referee, Kelly was invited to coach at the Governor's Academy, where she recognized the need for an athletic recruiting consultant. “As someone who understands the unique challenges of balancing academics and athletics, I saw an opportunity to guide students toward schools where they can thrive both on and off the field.” In 2016, after helping her daughter commit early to Harvard University, Kelly launched her consulting business centered on athletic recruiting. “The college admissions process is not just about finding the right school but also about fostering personal growth and self-discovery,” Kelly says. “I aim to simplify the complexities of the process while equipping students with skills and confidence that they can carry beyond college.”
Kelly’s collaborative consulting approach fosters open communication with students and their families to ensure clarity and confidence throughout the process. “By blending expertise in college admissions and athletic recruitment, I create a structured yet flexible plan that maximizes opportunities for success,” she says. When consulting, Kelly takes the time to learn about her students’ academics and athletic goals, helping them craft compelling narratives that showcase their full potential. Through mentorship, consistent check-ins, and actionable feedback, Kelly empowers her students to take ownership of their journey while providing the guidance they need to navigate challenges. “Every student-athlete needs a mentor and a sounding board,” Kelly says. “I enjoy being just that for them when they find themselves doubting their potential and possibilities. I breathe the confidence back into the student.”
When asked about a success story, Kelly recalls when a mother reached out for help with her daughter’s athletic recruiting. The student needed financial aid and support for her learning challenges. “I suggested that this student-athlete apply as a fifth-year to the New Hampton School, which would give her the foundation in learning and the support she needed, and they also had a very strong lacrosse program,” Kelly explains, adding that she was able to negotiate a need-based scholarship for the student. After this athlete had completed her PG year, Kelly then guided her to the right lacrosse camps and clinics to display her athletic talents. “The University of Massachusetts committed her, but once there, the athlete was not getting playing time, so I helped her enter the transfer portal, where she was accepted to Stetson University on an athletic scholarship,” Kelly says. Ultimately, this athlete with learning struggles earned both a bachelor’s degree and a master's degree and is now successfully working in pharmaceutical sales.
In addition to being a consultant, Kelly is a licensed yoga and fitness instructor and a certified nutritionist. Her athletic career included a selection to the US Women’s Field Hockey team for the 1988 Olympics (Seoul) and Olympic Festivals; she was also a two-sport athlete and four-year starter for Boston College’s Division 1 Women’s Field Hockey and Lacrosse teams, with a full ride scholarship throughout her academic tenure.
“I am from a family of eight kids,” Kelly shares. “The best advice my dad ever gave me was, ‘There is always going to be someone bigger, faster, stronger, smarter, prettier, and braver than you, just make sure you try your best and be kind.’”
