Kelly Berger is a former American lacrosse player whose name is often associated with professional lacrosse star Paul Rabil. However, her story goes well beyond her previous marriage. From becoming one of the standout players at James Madison University to representing the United States in international competitions, Berger has built an impressive sporting career through years of hard work and dedication.
While her relationship with Rabil brought her additional public attention, she had already made a name for herself in women’s lacrosse. She later explored coaching and fitness, continuing her connection with sport beyond her playing career.
So, who is Kelly Berger? What did she achieve in lacrosse, and what is known about her relationship with Paul Rabil? Here’s a closer look at her life, career and personal journey.
Who Is Kelly Berger?
Kelly Berger is an American former lacrosse player from Columbia, Maryland. She attended Hammond High School before joining James Madison University (JMU), where she played women’s lacrosse from 2004 to 2007.
Playing as a midfielder, Berger quickly established herself as an important member of the JMU Dukes. Her athletic ability, scoring record and leadership helped her become one of the university’s most successful lacrosse players.
During her four-year university career, she earned two All-American honours and became a three-time First Team All-Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) selection.
Her achievements also earned her recognition beyond college sport. In 2017, she was inducted into the James Madison Athletics Hall of Fame, recognising her contribution to the university’s women’s lacrosse programme.
Kelly Berger’s Lacrosse Career and Achievements
Berger’s sporting journey is one of the most significant parts of her story. At James Madison University, she became a four-year starter and played a key role in the team’s success between 2004 and 2007.
She appeared in 73 games, recording 184 goals and 78 assists for an impressive total of 262 career points. At the time of her Hall of Fame induction, she ranked second in JMU history for both career goals and total points.
Some of her most notable achievements include:
- Two-time All-American.
- 2006 CAA Player of the Year.
- Three-time First Team All-CAA selection.
- Two CAA Championship titles with James Madison.
- Two NCAA tournament appearances.
- 2017 James Madison Athletics Hall of Fame inductee.
Her success at university opened the door to international opportunities. Berger became involved with the US women’s national team programme, working towards the opportunity to represent her country at the highest level.
In 2009, she was part of the United States team that won the women’s lacrosse world championship. She was also selected for the 2013 US Senior National Team, becoming the first James Madison graduate to earn a place on the senior national squad.
Her international journey continued, with another selection to the 2017 US Women’s National Team roster.
These achievements established Berger as a respected name in American women’s lacrosse, giving her a sporting identity independent of her personal relationships.
Kelly Berger’s Career Beyond Playing Lacrosse
Berger’s connection with lacrosse did not end when her university playing days were over. She also explored coaching, fitness and athlete development.
After graduating from James Madison University in 2007 with a degree in kinesiology and a concentration in sports management, she began building experience in coaching.
She joined the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) women’s lacrosse programme, initially working as an assistant coach. In 2010, she became the team’s head coach.
Her experience as a former national-level athlete gave her an understanding of the discipline, preparation and commitment required in competitive sport.
Alongside coaching, Berger also developed an interest in the fitness industry. In a 2017 interview with James Madison University, she explained that she was working as a trainer and instructor while continuing to compete with the national team.
She also mentioned returning to school to study interior decorating, showing that her interests extended beyond athletics.
Kelly Berger and Paul Rabil’s Relationship History
One of the reasons Kelly Berger continues to attract online attention is her previous marriage to Paul Rabil.
Rabil is a former professional lacrosse player and one of the most recognisable figures in the sport. He played in Major League Lacrosse and the National Lacrosse League before becoming the co-founder of the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL).
Their shared passion for lacrosse brought them together. Both had established sporting careers, with Berger representing the United States and Rabil building his reputation in professional men’s lacrosse.
Their relationship was publicly acknowledged before their wedding. In a 2013 interview with Baltimore Style, Rabil spoke about his fiancée Kelly, describing her as responsible, loving and family-oriented. He also mentioned that she played for the US women’s national lacrosse team.
The couple married in January 2014, bringing together two people who understood the demands of competitive sport and professional athletics.
However, their marriage did not last. Berger and Rabil divorced in 2017 after approximately three years together as a married couple.
Despite public interest in their relationship, neither has shared extensive details about the reasons behind their separation. They have largely kept that chapter of their personal lives private.
What Happened to Kelly Berger After Her Divorce?
Following her separation from Paul Rabil, Berger continued to pursue her interests in fitness and professional development.
Her background in competitive athletics provided a natural foundation for working in the fitness industry. Years of training and competing had given her practical experience in physical conditioning, performance and maintaining an active lifestyle.
In her 2017 university interview, she spoke about working as a fitness trainer and instructor while also exploring interior decorating.
There has been limited reliable public information about her more recent professional activities. However, her earlier work in coaching and fitness demonstrates that her career was never limited to playing lacrosse.
Rather than remaining in the public eye through her previous relationship, Berger has maintained a relatively private profile.
Where Is Kelly Berger Now?
Kelly Berger has kept much of her personal life away from public attention. Unlike her former husband, who remains a prominent figure through his involvement with the Premier Lacrosse League, she has maintained a quieter public presence.
Her professional history includes competitive lacrosse, coaching and fitness instruction. She has also expressed an interest in interior decorating, although there is limited verified information about her current work.
Her sporting achievements, particularly her time at James Madison University and her international career with Team USA, remain an important part of her public story.
For readers discovering her name through Paul Rabil, there is much more to appreciate about Berger than her previous marriage. She was an accomplished athlete who built her own reputation through years of commitment to women’s lacrosse.
Final Thoughts
Kelly Berger’s story is about sporting ambition, professional development and life beyond the public spotlight. From her record-breaking performances at James Madison University to winning a world championship with Team USA, she achieved milestones that deserve recognition in their own right.
Her marriage to Paul Rabil remains an interesting part of her personal history, but it does not define her entire identity.
Today, Berger maintains a relatively private profile, leaving much of her personal life outside public discussion. What remains clear is her contribution to women’s lacrosse and the impact she made as a player, coach and fitness professional.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kelly Berger
1. Who is Kelly Berger?
Kelly Berger is a former American lacrosse player who represented James Madison University and the US Women’s National Team. She is also known as the former wife of professional lacrosse player Paul Rabil.
2. Where is Kelly Berger from?
Kelly Berger is from Columbia, Maryland, in the United States. She attended Hammond High School before playing lacrosse at James Madison University.
3. What are Kelly Berger’s biggest career achievements?
Her achievements include becoming a two-time All-American, winning the 2006 CAA Player of the Year award, winning a world championship with Team USA in 2009 and being inducted into the James Madison Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017.
4. When did Kelly Berger marry Paul Rabil?
Kelly Berger married Paul Rabil in January 2014. The couple divorced in 2017 after approximately three years of marriage.
5. What does Kelly Berger do now?
Berger previously worked as a lacrosse coach, fitness trainer and instructor. She also expressed an interest in interior decorating. Details about her current professional activities have not been widely confirmed.
