Kelsey Love has been watching Penn State Field Hockey since she was born and now as a Nittany Lion herself, is following in her mom's footsteps. Kelsey's mom, Lisa Bervinchak-Love, is a Penn State Field Hockey alumna and now Associate Head Coach. Together, Kelsey and Lisa are instrumental in the program's continued success.
Playing field hockey from an early age, Kelsey was in awe of Penn State Field Hockey. "I always thought the locker room was so cool. There is this one ramp in the hallway that my sister and I would always push this chair down. It's just funny how now that's just an everyday thing. I walk in there and think nothing of it, but when I was little it was such a cool, big idea."
One of Kelsey's favorite memories growing up was traveling to the University of Maryland to watch the Nittany Lions compete for a national title. "Going on away trips was always my favorite thing as a kid." As a Penn State player, Kelsey was excited to face collegiate opponents on the field for the first time, instead of cheering on the team from afar.
Kelsey was used to having her mom as a coach and travel buddy growing up. In high school, the mother-daughter duo would travel to field hockey tournaments together. "She would go to watch and I would go to play."
Kelsey always envisioned herself as a Nittany Lion, but once she was older, she shied away from the idea because her mom was a part of the coaching staff. However, after talking with head coach Char Morett-Curtiss, Kelsey felt reassured that after graduating from State College High School, Penn State was the perfect fit.
Although Kelsey is close to home while attending Penn State, she is still able to immerse herself in the college experience. She enjoys living on her own but is grateful she has the opportunity to see her parents so often. Kelsey's dad, Steve Love, serves an integral role for Penn State Athletics as Senior Graphic Designer. During the field hockey season, he helps to create posters and social media content for the team.
Being close to home has its advantages, especially when Kelsey needs some help with her laundry. However, it also brings about some added responsibility. Kelsey is often in charge of taking the dog for a walk when her parents are out of town visiting her older sister, Taylor, a senior basketball player at Marymount University.
Playing field hockey and basketball together growing up, Kelsey and Taylor were able to showcase their sisterly bond, and their intuitive play would often be referred to as, the "Love connection."
Kelsey has found a second home in Happy Valley, as the Loves are at the heart of the Penn State Field Hockey program.
