For some Northgate seniors, the end of the school year means the end of their high school sports careers. For others though, it’s the final step in their ultimate goal of playing college sports. Kelsey Shaffer is one such senior. But before she heads off to Chapman University in the fall to play girls lacrosse, she made sure she left an indelible mark in the Northgate record books.
Kelsey began playing lacrosse in fourth grade, but it wasn’t just lacrosse that she liked – she loved all sports in general. Her parents encouraged her to try everything, so she dabbled in soccer, basketball, softball, dance and swimming. And though soccer was her first love, it was lacrosse that ultimately stole her heart. Northgate Girls Lacrosse coach Phil Mannoni (2018-22) knew immediately that Kelsey was special and wasted no time telling her parents that.
“I remember telling her family at the start of her freshman year that she would leave Northgate as its most decorated lacrosse player, and she did not disappoint.”
In all, Kelsey leaves Northgate with several records including all-time leading scorer (224 total points), most career goals (152), single season goals (62), and numerous MaxPreps player of the game awards.
Mannoni is quick to point out, however, that it’s not just her lacrosse talent that stands out. Over his 30 year coaching career, he notes that few student athletes have stood out like Kelsey. “Her unwavering commitment, strong work ethic, and relentless pursuit of lacrosse…make her an exceptional individual and a role model for her teammates.” And indeed, when Kelsey looks back on her time at Northgate, it’s her teammates and coaches that stand out the most. Kelsey says that Mannoni in particular made her the player she is today both by pushing her tirelessly but also by keeping things in perspective and making her laugh at every single practice. And Kelsey is elated to reunite with one of her all-time favorite Northgate teammates Tade Scheid (Class of 2023) where they will play together at Chapman.
Mannoni considers himself lucky to have coached Kelsey. He knows that her future at Chapman is bright given her success at Northgate where she absolutely left her mark.
By Shannon Polkinghorn, Resident since 2004