Doc Connelly Award

Daniel Patrick Connelly

August 20, 1951 – July 21, 2020

“Doc” graduated from the Air Force Academy and USC for medical school. He practiced vascular surgery and traveled with Congress as a medical doctor. He worked at several hospitals in the Kansas City area. Doc coached thousands of boys in lacrosse at both Shawnee Mission East and Rockhurst and won eight state championships along the way. Doc’s wife, Robin was a lawyer for CASA and together they supported many fundraising events.

The Doc Connelly Award is given to a player who is a hard worker and a leader. He is a player who works well with his teammates, lifts them up when they’re down and inspires them to be better. He is driven by competition and wants to win but realizes the relationships he builds on the field and becoming a gentleman are equally, if not more important.

Doc was dedicated to lacrosse, his players and guiding the boys to be gentlemen. He instilled a hard work ethic and teamwork. Players did push-ups when they need to be reminded of the qualities of a gentleman. Doc was not a fan of swearing and he listened carefully. Players would also offer to do push-ups to earn time on the field or for a chance to try playing a new position. Doc coached with precision and expected the same from his players. He spoke with clear intention and got results. He cared deeply about the players and wanted them to succeed on and off the field.