Kelly Berger is an American former lacrosse player and fitness entrepreneur who became known for her success in competitive lacrosse and her later work in health and wellness. She represented the United States at the highest level, built a strong college career, and became part of a World Cup-winning national team.
After leaving competitive lacrosse, Kelly moved into fitness, teaching classes and building Resistance Fitness around strength, balance, and community. Her career shows how athletic experience can lead to a meaningful second profession.
This article covers Kelly Berger’s early life, education, lacrosse achievements, injuries, marriage to Paul Rabil, relationship with Josh Carlegis, fitness career, net worth, and life today.
Early Life and Family Background
Kelly Berger was born on February 24, 1985, in Columbia, Maryland, where she grew up in a family that valued sports, discipline, and an active lifestyle. Her parents, Ed Berger and Karen L. Berger, supported her interests and helped create an environment where hard work and healthy competition were part of daily life.
Her father had a strong interest in golf, while her mother worked in real estate and helped provide stability at home. Kelly also grew up alongside her older brother, Stephen Berger.
Stephen became a successful lacrosse player at Washington College and later played professionally, giving Kelly an early example of where commitment to the sport could lead.
Education and Early Passion for Sports
Kelly attended Hammond High School in Columbia, Maryland, where she developed into a versatile athlete rather than focusing on only one activity. Along with lacrosse, she took part in basketball, soccer, and dance, which helped improve her speed, movement, coordination, and understanding of teamwork.
Her interest in sports continued after high school when she enrolled at James Madison University in 2004. She studied Kinesiology and also completed a minor in Business.
That combination later became useful in her professional life, because Kinesiology gave her knowledge of movement and physical performance while Business introduced her to skills connected with leadership, planning, and entrepreneurship.
Kelly Berger’s College Lacrosse Career
Kelly Berger became an important member of the James Madison University Dukes lacrosse program and developed a reputation as one of the team’s leading players. Her speed, decision-making, and consistency helped her stand out in the Colonial Athletic Association, where she competed against other talented college athletes.
Her performances brought several individual honors, including multiple selections to the CAA First Team. She was also named CAA Player of the Year, one of the strongest recognitions of her college career.
Kelly managed the demands of high-level competition while continuing her academic studies, building the discipline and leadership qualities that later supported her move into coaching, fitness, and business.
U.S. National Team and World Cup Success
Kelly’s strong performances at the college level helped open the door to international lacrosse, eventually earning her a place with the U.S. Women’s National Lacrosse Team. Representing the United States placed her among some of the best female players in the sport and gave her the chance to compete on a much larger stage.
One of the biggest achievements of her playing career came in 2013, when she helped the United States win the Women’s Lacrosse World Cup. Her disciplined and fast-paced style fit well within the team.
That World Cup success became a major part of Kelly Berger’s athletic legacy and strengthened her reputation within women’s lacrosse.
Injuries, Challenges, and Retirement From Lacrosse
Kelly Berger’s lacrosse career included major physical challenges, especially serious ACL injuries that affected both of her knees. Recovering from those injuries required long periods of rehabilitation, careful training, and the mental strength needed to return to high-level competition after difficult setbacks.
The recovery process also gave Kelly a deeper understanding of movement, strength, and the way the body responds to injury. Those lessons later became valuable when she moved into fitness and wellness.
After years of competitive lacrosse, Kelly retired from professional play in 2017, closing an important chapter of her life while preparing to build a new career connected to health, training, and physical performance.
Transition From Lacrosse to Fitness
After stepping away from competitive lacrosse, Kelly Berger turned her attention toward fitness, an area that naturally connected with her education and athletic background. Years of training, rehabilitation, teamwork, and performance had already given her a strong understanding of how consistent movement can support both physical and mental well-being.
She began teaching barre and group fitness classes at local studios, where she could work directly with people at different fitness levels. Her energy and experience helped her develop a following.
Over time, Kelly saw an opportunity to create something of her own, combining her sports knowledge with her business interests and building a career that extended far beyond the lacrosse field.
Resistance Fitness and Entrepreneurship
Kelly Berger founded Resistance Fitness as a community-focused fitness business designed around accessible training, variety, and long-term wellness. The program includes different types of exercise, such as barre, yoga, boxing, and hybrid strength classes, giving participants several ways to improve fitness without relying on one training style.
Resistance Fitness also developed online workout options, allowing clients to follow on-demand sessions from home and fit exercise around busy schedules. Kelly’s approach places strong value on encouragement, balance, and sustainable progress.
As a business owner and coach, she has used the leadership skills learned through competitive sport to create a fitness environment centered on support, confidence, and consistent personal improvement.
Kelly Berger and Paul Rabil’s Marriage
Kelly Berger’s personal life became more widely discussed because of her relationship with Paul Rabil, one of the most recognizable names in professional lacrosse. The two shared a strong connection to the sport, and their relationship brought together two athletes who had both reached high levels within the lacrosse community.
Kelly and Paul married in 2014 in a ceremony attended by people close to them, including family, friends, and fellow athletes. Their marriage attracted interest from lacrosse fans because of their shared sporting background.
During that period, both continued building their own careers, while their relationship remained closely connected in the public mind with their achievements and influence within professional lacrosse.
Divorce and Personal Growth
Kelly Berger and Paul Rabil ended their marriage in 2017 after several years together, marking an important change in both their personal lives. The separation remained relatively private, and Kelly moved forward by giving more attention to her own goals, professional direction, and growing interest in the fitness industry.
The period after the divorce also matched a wider transition in her life, because she was moving away from competitive lacrosse and creating a new identity outside professional sport. Fitness and entrepreneurship became central to that next stage.
Rather than remaining defined by her marriage or playing career, Kelly continued developing independently and built a professional path based on wellness, leadership, and community.
Relationship With Josh Carlegis
After her marriage to Paul Rabil ended, Kelly Berger later entered a relationship with Josh Carlegis, who is described as an Army veteran, real estate professional, and fitness enthusiast. Their shared interest in active living became an important part of their connection and fits naturally with Kelly’s long-standing focus on health and movement.
Kelly and Josh enjoy activities that include CrossFit, fishing, and other outdoor experiences. Their lifestyle reflects a shared interest in staying active while also spending time away from traditional gym settings.
Their relationship represents another chapter in Kelly’s personal life, built around common interests, encouragement, and a mutual appreciation for fitness, adventure, and balanced living.
Community Work and Influence
Kelly Berger’s impact extends beyond her own athletic achievements and fitness business because she has also supported younger athletes and people interested in building healthier lifestyles. Her experience as a national-level lacrosse player allows her to speak from direct knowledge about discipline, setbacks, confidence, and the demands of competitive sport.
She has been involved in mentoring young female athletes and encouraging women to approach sport with strength and resilience. Coaching and fitness workshops also give her opportunities to share what she has learned.
Through these efforts, Kelly promotes ideas connected with empowerment, physical activity, self-care, and long-term wellness, using her background to help others develop confidence both inside and outside sport.
Where Is Kelly Berger Now?
Kelly Berger now focuses primarily on fitness, wellness, and the community she has built through Resistance Fitness. Her life after competitive lacrosse shows a clear shift from performing as an elite athlete to helping other people become stronger, healthier, and more confident through structured exercise and supportive training.
She continues to be connected with fitness programs, coaching, and an active lifestyle while using lessons from her athletic career in her current work. Mentoring and community involvement also remain part of her broader influence.
Instead of leaving sport completely behind, Kelly has transformed the knowledge gained through lacrosse into a second career that keeps movement, discipline, and personal development at its center.
Kelly Berger’s Legacy
Kelly Berger’s legacy is built around more than one stage of her career, because she found success both as a competitive athlete and as a fitness entrepreneur. Her achievements at James Madison University, her place on the U.S. Women’s National Team, and the 2013 World Cup victory remain important parts of her lacrosse story.
Her later career adds another dimension, showing how athletes can use their knowledge and discipline after leaving competition. Through Resistance Fitness, she turned years of training experience into a community-centered business.
Kelly’s journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and leadership, making her story especially meaningful for athletes who are preparing to build a new purpose after their competitive careers end.
Final Thoughts
Kelly Berger’s journey shows how one career can naturally develop into another when experience, education, and personal interests come together. From growing up in Columbia, Maryland, to becoming a successful college lacrosse player and representing the United States, she built her early reputation through skill, discipline, and commitment to sport.
Injuries and retirement eventually changed her direction, but they also helped guide her toward fitness and entrepreneurship. Resistance Fitness became an important part of that new chapter.
Today, Kelly’s story combines athletics, business, relationships, personal growth, and community work, showing how the values learned through competitive sport can remain useful long after the final game is played.
(FAQs)
Who is Kelly Berger?
Kelly Berger is an American former lacrosse player and fitness entrepreneur. She became known for playing with the U.S. Women’s National Lacrosse Team and later built a new career in fitness through Resistance Fitness.
How old is Kelly Berger?
Kelly Berger was born on February 24, 1985, in Columbia, Maryland. She turned 41 years old in February 2026. She grew up in an athletic family and developed a strong interest in sports from an early age.
What did Kelly Berger achieve in lacrosse?
Kelly Berger had a successful college career at James Madison University and later joined the U.S. Women’s National Lacrosse Team. One of her biggest achievements was helping the United States win the 2013 Women’s Lacrosse World Cup.
Who was Kelly Berger married to?
Kelly Berger was married to former professional lacrosse player Paul Rabil. The couple married in 2014 after connecting through the lacrosse world. Their marriage ended in divorce in 2017, and both continued with their separate careers.
Who is Kelly Berger’s partner?
Kelly Berger is in a relationship with Josh Carlegis, who is described as an army veteran, real estate professional, and fitness enthusiast. They share an interest in active living, including CrossFit, fishing, and outdoor activities.
What is Kelly Berger doing now?
Kelly Berger focuses on fitness, wellness, and entrepreneurship after leaving competitive lacrosse. She founded Resistance Fitness and has worked with fitness programs, coaching, and community activities while using the experience gained during her athletic career.
