The number 17 adorns the uniform of Stony Brook women's lacrosse junior
Kylie Ohlmiller, who travels to the nation's capital this week as one of five finalists for the Tewaaraton Award.
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It's fitting, because 2017 has been the year of
Kylie Ohlmiller.
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The 5-foot-3 Islip native has been on the covers of national magazines and regularly made appearances on SportsCenter's Top 10 for her acrobatic goals and assists during the 2017 season. But Ohlmiller is more than just a trick shot extraordinaire.
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In 2017, No. 17 had one of the greatest offensive seasons in the history of the sport.
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The numbers back it up, too. Ohlmiller's 164 points shattered the previous Division I record of 148 held by Maryland's Jen Adams since 2001. Her 86 assists are also a new D-I record, as the previous mark of 83 had been held by Northwestern's Hannah Nielsen since 2009. Her 78 goals were tied for second in the nation, but it's the assists that best measure Ohlmiller's game.
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"I think that assists are a key part of the game and a huge reason why our team has such a powerful offense," said Ohlmiller. "Most of our goals this year were assisted and that shows how much of a versatile threat we can be as a whole."
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That's part of what makes
Kylie Ohlmiller who she is. The team-first mentality that Ohlmiller and the Seawolves have bought into under head coach
Joe Spallina propelled Stony Brook to new heights in 2017, as the Seawolves went 20-2, were ranked as high as No. 3 in the nation and advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals – all new high-water marks in program history.
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"Everyone sees the sensational plays and highlight-reel goals, but Kylie's also the consummate leader," said Spallina. "She goes above and beyond off the field, whether it be volunteering her time for different school activities, visiting sick children in the hospital or being that overall great person, and she's a great student-athlete. She's a dynamic individual, and it leads to her success on the field."
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Ohlmiller has also embraced being the eye black-clad face of the Stony Brook program and athletic department. After Stony Brook's win over a top-10 USC team in March in front of a crowd of over 2,500, Ohlmiller stood and signed autographs for over an hour for young Seawolves fans who want to be the next Kylie.
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The charismatic junior has regularly appeared on television and podcasts throughout the season, cognizant of the opportunity to grow not only the program but also the sport of lacrosse as it makes a push into the mainstream. In one interview the week before the NCAA selection show, Ohlmiller turned the discussion from herself to Stony Brook's postseason resume. As you read the transcription of a press conference, it's easy to forget that Ohlmiller is just 20 years old.
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The 2017 season did not end the way
Kylie Ohlmiller and Stony Brook had envisioned, as the Seawolves fell by one goal in the NCAA quarterfinals by a Maryland team that went on to complete an undefeated season with a national title.
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Two days later, Ohlmiller sat in the LaValle Stadium offices, still stewing over how 2017 ended, but thinking of what's in store for 2018.
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Ohlmiller will return as a senior along with eight other starters, including her sister Taryn, who had over 100 points as a freshman. The Seawolves also regain the services of former 100-goal scorer
Courtney Murphy, whose season was cut short by an ACL injury in March.
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The Hollywood script sets up perfectly for Ohlmiller and Stony Brook in 2018: Kylie's last go-around in the Red and White of the Seawolves, Murphy's return, and the national championship to be hosted in an expanded LaValle Stadium.
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First, Ohlmiller will take a trip to Washington this week as one of five finalists for lacrosse's most prestigious award, and then find some time to enjoy summer on Long Island.
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When you have a 2017 like
Kylie Ohlmiller has had, you've earned a few trips to the beach.
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