Kelly Berger is a former American lacrosse player best known for her achievements in women’s lacrosse and her previous marriage to professional lacrosse star Paul Rabil. However, there is considerably more to her story than her connection to a famous sporting figure. A talented athlete, former coach and fitness professional, Berger has built an identity through years of dedication to sport, personal development and fitness.
Although her marriage to Rabil brought her additional public attention, her sporting achievements had already established her as a respected name in women’s lacrosse. From her university career at James Madison University to representing the United States on the international stage, here is a closer look at Kelly Berger’s life, career and relationship history.
Who Is Kelly Berger?
Kelly Berger, also known as Kelly Berger Rabil during her marriage, is an American former lacrosse player from Columbia, Maryland. She developed her reputation through her performances at James Madison University (JMU), where she became one of the university’s most successful women’s lacrosse players.
Her university career ran from 2004 to 2007, during which she played as a midfielder for the James Madison Dukes. Her consistency, scoring ability and leadership helped her become a two-time All-American and an important member of the team.
Berger’s sporting journey also extended beyond university competitions. She went on to represent the United States in international women’s lacrosse, earning recognition for her contribution to the sport. In 2017, her achievements were recognised when she was inducted into the James Madison Athletics Hall of Fame.
Kelly Berger’s Lacrosse Career and Achievements
Berger’s success in lacrosse began during her university years. As a four-year starter for James Madison University, she quickly became one of the team’s leading players.
Across 73 appearances, she recorded 184 goals and 78 assists, giving her an impressive total of 262 career points. These figures placed her second in JMU history for career goals and total points at the time of her Hall of Fame recognition.
Her achievements included:
- Two-time All-American.
- 2006 Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Player of the Year.
- Three-time First Team All-CAA selection.
- Helped JMU secure two CAA Championships.
- Contributed to two NCAA tournament appearances.
- Inducted into the JMU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017.
Her performances at university opened the door to international opportunities. Berger became involved with the US Women’s National Team programme and represented her country in several competitions.
One of her notable achievements came in 2009, when she won a world championship with the United States. She also continued to earn national team recognition in the years that followed, including selection for the 2017 US Women’s National Team roster.
These accomplishments established her as an accomplished athlete in her own right, long before her personal life became a subject of public curiosity.
Kelly Berger and Paul Rabil’s Marriage
Kelly Berger’s relationship with Paul Rabil is one of the main reasons people continue searching for her name.
Paul Rabil is a prominent figure in American lacrosse. He played professionally for several teams and later became widely recognised as the co-founder of the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL). With both individuals sharing a passion for the sport, their relationship brought together two people with established careers in lacrosse.
The couple married in January 2014. Their shared sporting background meant they understood the demands of competitive athletics, including training commitments, professional responsibilities and the pressures of maintaining a career in sport.
However, their marriage did not last. Public biographical accounts report that Berger and Rabil divorced in 2017, after approximately three years together as a married couple.
Despite the interest surrounding their relationship, neither has publicly shared extensive details about the circumstances behind their separation. As a result, the reasons for their divorce remain private.
It is worth recognising that Berger’s story extends well beyond this relationship. Her sporting achievements and professional experiences deserve attention in their own right.
What Did Kelly Berger Do After Her Divorce?
Following the end of her marriage, Berger continued to pursue her interests in professional development, fitness and personal growth.
Her transition into the fitness industry was a natural progression from her sporting background. Years of competitive training had given her an understanding of physical conditioning, discipline and the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle.
In a 2017 interview published by James Madison University, Berger explained that she was working in the fitness industry as a trainer and instructor while continuing to compete with the US Women’s National Team.
She also revealed that she had returned to studying interior decorating, showing an interest in developing skills outside the sporting world.
Her move towards fitness reflected a broader professional direction, allowing her to build on her experience as an athlete while exploring other interests.
Where Is Kelly Berger Now?
Kelly Berger has maintained a relatively private public profile, particularly compared with her former husband. While information about her current personal life is limited, her previous work in fitness and her sporting achievements remain part of her public record.
Her 2017 JMU Hall of Fame profile offers a useful insight into her interests beyond lacrosse. Alongside her involvement in the fitness industry, she spoke about studying interior decorating and continuing her connection with competitive sport.
There is limited independently verified information about her current professional activities, so it would be unfair to make assumptions about her present circumstances.
What is clear, however, is that Berger has had a career shaped by commitment, athletic ability and a willingness to explore different professional interests.
Kelly Berger’s Life Beyond Her Relationship With Paul Rabil
It is easy to understand why Kelly Berger’s name attracts attention because of her previous marriage to Paul Rabil. Yet reducing her identity to that relationship overlooks years of dedication and achievement.
She competed at a high level, represented the United States, earned All-American honours and secured a place in her university’s sporting Hall of Fame.
Her journey also highlights the many directions an athlete’s career can take after competitive sport. From coaching and fitness to exploring interior decorating, Berger has demonstrated interests beyond the lacrosse field.
While she has chosen to keep much of her personal life away from public attention, her sporting legacy remains well documented. For anyone discovering her story, there is much more to Kelly Berger than the label of Paul Rabil’s former wife.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kelly Berger
1. Who is Kelly Berger?
Kelly Berger is a former American women’s 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. When did Kelly Berger marry Paul Rabil?
Kelly Berger married Paul Rabil in January 2014. Their marriage ended in divorce in 2017.
3. Why did Kelly Berger and Paul Rabil divorce?
The exact reasons behind their divorce have not been publicly confirmed. Both have kept the details of their separation largely private.
4. What are Kelly Berger’s biggest career achievements?
Her major achievements include becoming a two-time All-American, winning the 2006 CAA Player of the Year award, earning a world championship with Team USA in 2009 and being inducted into the James Madison Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017.
5. What does Kelly Berger do now?
Berger was working as a fitness trainer and instructor in 2017 and had also returned to studying interior decorating. There is limited verified public information about her current professional activities.
