Name: Kelli Joran
Position: Midfield/Attack
Year: Senior
Hometown: Downingtown, Pa.
Major: Elementary Education
Cred: Entering her senior season, midfielder Kelli Joran has her sights set on just one goal: bringing home the CAA crown. The 5-foot-8-inch midfielder was named Drexel’s MVP last season, one in which she started all 17 games, led the team with 27 draw control wins and was third in goals, with 25. Her most memorable performance came against William and Mary. In a game the Dragons had to have, she scored the tying goal with 27 seconds left, then the winning one in overtime. She and her teammates are hoping she has plenty more scintillating performances in store for 2013.
When did you start playing lacrosse?
“I think I was in third grade. My mom used to play back when she was in high school. She always wanted me to play, so I thought I would try it, and it turns out I loved it.”
What did you love about it?
“To be honest, when I was younger it was just because all my best friends played. But I kept going, and I love running up and down the field and playing offense and defense. I love the pace of the game. It just works for me.”
What was the biggest adjustment when you started playing for Drexel?
“At the college level it’s a lot more physical. You’re allowed to use your body a lot more than you are in high school. When you’re going up against big strong girls, it’s kind of tough when you’re a freshman. I hadn’t started lifting weights much yet. That was probably the biggest shock–getting tossed around by all the big girls.”
What’s the toughest part of being a midfielder?
“Trying to keep your energy up all game because you don’t really ever stop, you’re constantly running from offense to defense. You need to have an awareness of everything. You need to really be on top of your game for both your attack and defense.”
On a scale of 1 to 10, how excited are you heading into your senior year?
“Oh my God, definitely like a 12. I’ve been talking with my friends nonstop about how excited we are for certain games. It’s going to be great.”
What are your personal goals for your senior season?
“Most of my goals are team goals. My goal is to win the CAA Championship and to make it to the NCAAs. Personally for me, it’s just making sure I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in. I don’t have personal goals for stats and things like that, it’s just really to always do my best.”
What gives you more satisfaction as a midfielder: scoring a goal, assisting on one, or making a great defensive play?
“Probably coming up with a great defensive play. When it’s getting toward the end of the game, and maybe you’re up by one or you’re tied and you have a big stop, that’s the best feeling for me.”
You’ve received the CAA Commissioner’s Academic Award every year you’ve been at Drexel. How do you go about balancing your time between lacrosse and the classroom?
“It was pretty easy to get adjusted to. Most of the time when I have assignments I get those done way early, so I don’t have to worry about them. I always know what I need to get done in advance. It hasn’t been a problem for me. I’m the kind of person that likes to get things done early.”
You’re majoring in elementary education. Do you want to be a teacher?
“I do. I student-taught kindergarten this year. I think I want to do something around that age. It was awesome. I taught in South Philly and I had a diverse group of children, which was an awesome experience for me.”