Marc Kelly '87 Returns to the Brophy Soccer Program as Head Coach
PHOENIX, April 13, 2022 – Today, Principal Bob Ryan announced that former head coach Marc Kelly will return to the helm of Brophy’s soccer program. Kelly, a 1987 Brophy graduate, coached the Broncos from 2001 through 2013, leading the team to state titles in 2008, 2011 and 2013 and amassing a record of 242-21-5.
In making the announcement, Ryan said, “Marc is not only an accomplished coach, he is a veteran teacher and Ignatian educator, having taught at Brophy since 2000. As such, his passion for the game and tactical expertise will be significantly complemented by the fact he is immersed in Brophy’s culture as a teacher on campus each day. We are excited to have the program back in his capable hands.” Kelly teaches ceramics and sculpture in Brophy’s art department and serves as the technical director in the theater department.
Kelly played soccer at Brophy and at Gonzaga University. In addition to coaching at Brophy, he has coached with the Arizona Olympic Development Program and at the community college level. In 2012, the National Soccer Coaches Association of America named him the Region 4 (nine western states) High School Coach of the Year.
Brophy soccer has won nine state championships — in 1990, 1995, 2008, 2011, 2013-14, 2019-20 and 2021. In 2020, the program was hailed as the No. 1 boys high school soccer dynasty in Arizona by AZCentral. Since 2011, 10 Brophy players have been named Arizona Boys Soccer Player of the Year by Gatorade. In 2022, the Broncos exited the playoffs after the first round, with a 2-2 (PK 2-4) loss to Pinnacle.
Photo: Patty Kennedy (Coach Kelly plays in the 2021 alumni soccer game.)
Brophy College Preparatory celebrated its 76th commencement on Saturday, May 18, at 9 a.m. in Robson Gymnasium. This graduation was significant for the Class of 2024, who began their high school journey remotely due to the pandemic.
The Class of 2024 demonstrated resilience and connection despite the challenges of starting their education online. Their unity and adaptability were evident throughout their time at Brophy, embodying their class theme: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
Valedictorian Doer Leo He delivered a memorable speech, drawing parallels to the movie "Finding Nemo" and encouraging his classmates to persevere with the phrase, "Just keep swimming." President Bob Ryan and Principal Jim Bopp also spoke, highlighting the graduates' resilience and urging them to be agents of positive change.
The ceremony concluded with a strong sense of pride and accomplishment, celebrating the Class of 2024's journey from remote learning to a united and triumphant graduation.