Kelleher missed almost the entire 2026 high school season and all of the recent summer circuit with a knee injury. But before that, Kelleher was regarded as one of the top 2028 poles in Pennsylvania. I am betting that college coaches remember that fact, and that Kelleher’s phone blows up on September 9^th. Kelleher is a lefty, two-way LSM who thrives at pushing the fast break. Kelleher’s incredibly polished stick skills enable him to carry the ball deep into the offensive end for scores and assists. On defense, Kelleher’s smooth lateral movements, aggressive stick work, and physicality make him a menacing on-ball presence. He can cause turnovers via slaps, lifts, pokes, and well-timed trail checks. Kelleher can also put the ball on the turf with a forceful shoulder check. Plus, Kelleher has a habit of slicing through passing lanes for a deflection or interception. Kelleher is a groundball machine, too.     

Sam Kelleher is a 6’0” LSM from Malvern Prep and the definition of a coach’s dream at the position. He is a ground-ball machine on the wings and between the lines, consistently winning 50/50 battles with toughness, timing, and competitiveness. Defensively, Kelleher can match up with top midfielders in the class thanks to his disciplined technique, strong footwork, and ability to throw crafty, effective checks that disrupt possessions. In transition, he elevates the game even further, becoming a true scoring and playmaking threat whenever the ball is in his stick. If he isn’t finishing himself, he’s creating high-quality opportunities for teammates and pushing the pace with confidence. Recently selected to represent Team USA, Kelleher is poised to be a major impact player for Malvern Prep this spring.

Kelleher brings an ideal mix of size, athleticism, and IQ, making him a standout among the 2028s at The Preview. He proved he can play both ends of the field, showing legitimate offensive upside from the LSM position. Against Duke’s Elite, Kelleher set the tone early, scoring the first goal of the game in transition off an assist from fellow pole Will Motland. Throughout the event, he handled the ball with poise and showed he can push transition confidently, serving as both a scoring and distributing threat. Defensively, Kelleher’s IQ and timing stood out. In the first quarter against Duke’s Elite, he slid hard to the ball, attacked the hands to create a turnover, and pushed transition before wisely pulling it out when the numbers weren’t there. With his combination of length, athleticism, and smart decision-making, Kelleher looks like one of the 2028s to watch as recruiting opens next September.