Daniel Kelly has shuffled through different roles for Maryland men’s lacrosse

Despite being a five-star prospect, Daniel Kelly spent his first two collegiate seasons coming off the bench, totaling just six goals over 18 games.

He then broke out and starred for the Terps’ offense last season as a full-time starter, more than doubling his career scoring total in that campaign alone.

But Eric Malever’s return from a torn right ACL and meniscus that kept him out for all of 2023 moved Kelly back into Maryland’s second line for the majority of this season. He only recently returned to the starting lineup due to a Daniel Maltz injury.

Kelly’s role has fluctuated over the past two seasons. He’s remained steady this year despite the uncertainty.

“It’s been a little bit different this year bouncing back from attack to midfield,” Kelly said. “It’s a team sport, you do anything the team needs.”

Kelly led Maryland’s offense last season with 30 goals on a team-high 96 shots. He scored a goal in all but one game and his 1.88 goals per game ranked 10th among all Big Ten players.