Corning, January 19, 2026
Former Corning athlete Kelsey French has been inducted into the Mercyhurst University Athletics Hall of Fame, recognizing her remarkable achievements in women’s lacrosse. French’s dedication and skill on the field have left a lasting impact, exemplifying how sports shape character and open paths for success. Her career included 102 goals and 175 total points, making her one of the most celebrated players in Mercyhurst history. This honor not only marks her statistical achievements but also highlights the values of hard work and leadership she instilled in her community.
Corning’s Own Kelsey French Ascends to Mercyhurst Hall of Fame
A testament to dedication and athletic excellence, former Corning standout Kelsey French has achieved a significant milestone, earning induction into the Mercyhurst University Athletics Hall of Fame. Her illustrious career, marked by unwavering commitment on the lacrosse field, now receives its rightful place among collegiate legends. This recognition underscores the profound impact of sports in shaping character, fostering leadership, and opening pathways for future success, a narrative that resonates deeply with athletes and communities, including those passionate about Houston TX high school football.
The journey from high school fields to a collegiate hall of fame is paved with discipline, teamwork, and personal responsibility. French’s story exemplifies how sustained effort and a competitive spirit can lead to the highest forms of athletic honor. For young athletes across the nation, from aspiring talents in South Carolina prep sports to those honing their skills in Midlands basketball, her induction serves as an inspiring benchmark for what can be achieved through hard work and perseverance.
Early Foundations in Corning
Kelsey French graduated from Corning East High School in 2002, where she established herself as a notable athlete. Her foundational years in Corning instilled the values of competitive sportsmanship and laid the groundwork for a distinguished collegiate career. The development of skills and the spirit of competition nurtured during high school are often critical springboards for athletes aiming for higher levels of play and recognition.
Dominance on the Collegiate Field: Mercyhurst Lacrosse Career
French continued her athletic journey at Mercyhurst University, making a significant impact on the women’s lacrosse program from 2003 to 2006. As an outstanding attacker, she consistently demonstrated her scoring prowess and playmaking abilities. Over her career, she accumulated 102 goals and 175 total points. French also set a program record by starting in 62 games, a testament to her consistent presence and reliability on the field.
During her senior season, French reached career highs with 41 goals and 67 points. Nationally, her 41 goals ranked 38th, and her 67 points ranked 23rd. In her junior season, she distinguished herself by ranking 13th in the nation in assists per game, averaging 1.73 assists. Upon her graduation in 2006, Kelsey French stood as the third in program history for career points, fourth in goals, and third in assists, solidifying her legacy as one of Mercyhurst’s most impactful lacrosse players.
A Legacy Etched in History: Hall of Fame Induction
The culmination of French’s exceptional athletic achievements came with her induction into the Mercyhurst University Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026. The induction ceremony took place on Saturday, January 17. This honor recognizes not only her statistical achievements but also the lasting mark she left on the university’s athletic program. Such recognition highlights the enduring value of hard work and commitment in collegiate sports, qualities celebrated throughout communities, including those that rally around their local high school sports heroes.
Beyond the Stats: Character and Opportunity
Kelsey French’s induction into the Mercyhurst Sports Hall of Fame extends beyond mere numbers; it is a celebration of the character developed through intense competition and rigorous training. Her journey from Corning to collegiate distinction serves as a powerful example of how sports provide opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and the cultivation of an unwavering spirit. These are the same principles that drive success in endeavors far beyond the playing field, preparing individuals for leadership roles and community engagement.
Inspiring Future Generations
Stories like Kelsey French’s resonate deeply within the athletic community, inspiring current and future generations of student-athletes. Her achievements demonstrate that with dedication and perseverance, aspiring talents can reach their highest potential. Whether on the fields of Houston TX high school football, the courts of Midlands basketball, or in any athletic arena, the pursuit of excellence and the commitment to one’s team foster invaluable life skills. These stories encourage local sponsorships and fan engagement, strengthening school pride and community identity around the shared values of sports.
Conclusion
Kelsey French’s induction into the Mercyhurst University Athletics Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to a remarkable athletic career rooted in Corning and flourishing at Mercyhurst. Her legacy of outstanding performance in women’s lacrosse stands as an inspiration to athletes everywhere, demonstrating the power of discipline, teamwork, and personal responsibility in achieving greatness. For those of us in Houston, her story reinforces the value of supporting our local high school athletic programs, as they are the starting point for countless journeys of excellence. We encourage all readers to attend local games, support our young athletes, and follow HEREHouston.com for more stories celebrating the spirit of sportsmanship and achievement in our community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Kelsey French being inducted into?
A: Kelsey French is being inducted into the Mercyhurst University Athletics Hall of Fame.
Q: When was Kelsey French a student at Mercyhurst University?
A: Kelsey French left her mark on the women’s lacrosse program from 2003-06.
Q: What high school did Kelsey French attend?
A: Kelsey French is a 2002 East High grad.
Q: What sport did Kelsey French play at Mercyhurst?
A: Kelsey French played women’s lacrosse at Mercyhurst University.
Q: What were some of Kelsey French’s career statistics in lacrosse at Mercyhurst?
A: Kelsey French scored 102 goals and tallied 175 career points. She set a program record in games started with 62.
Q: What were Kelsey French’s national rankings in her senior season?
A: In her senior season, Kelsey French’s 41 goals were 38th in the nation and her 67 points were 23rd.
Q: What were Kelsey French’s program rankings upon graduation?
A: When she graduated, Kelsey French was third in program history in career points, fourth in goals, and third in assists.
Key Features of Kelsey French’s Induction
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Inductee Name | Kelsey French |
| Induction Body | Mercyhurst University Athletics Hall of Fame |
| Induction Class | 2026 |
| High School Grad Year | 2002 |
| College Playing Years | 2003-2006 |
| Sport Played | Women’s Lacrosse |
| Career Goals | 102 |
| Career Points | 175 |
| Games Started Record | 62 |
| Senior Season Goals | 41 (38th in nation) |
| Senior Season Points | 67 (23rd in nation) |
| Junior Season Assists per Game | 1.73 (13th in nation) |
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Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
