The women’s lacrosse pipeline on Long Island runs deep as another homegrown talent has left her mark on the game. Islip native, Kylie Ohlmiller Rees, officially announced her retirement from lacrosse.
Ohlmiller is a household name in the women’s lacrosse sphere. Lucky for us, she’s a Long Island girl through and through. She’s been referred to as “the face of women’s lacrosse”, a “human highlight reel”, or simply just “KO17”. She was also known for her Batman-like eye black she wore during games. Whichever nickname you knew her by, her legacy as a female lacrosse player will forever be etched in history.
“The time has come for me to step down from professional lacrosse. While I wish my body could’ve given me more these last few years, l am immensely proud of the blood, sweat, & tears it took to overcome obstacles greater than I could’ve ever imagined for my career,” said Ohlmiller in a public statement on social media.
The start of what would become a storied career began at Islip High School. Ohlmiller played three seasons for Islip, if not for an injury her freshman year, she would’ve played all four. Regardless, that didn’t stop her from putting her name in the record books. The three-time captain accumulated over 250 points during her varsity lacrosse career. During her senior year, Ohlmiller scored 112 goals alone, contributing heavily to her stat line.
“Lacrosse has given me an outlet to release stress, a home to enforce creativity, a stage where I feel most confident. This game will forever live within me – and though you may not see me playing at a high level anymore, you can forever catch me on the field coaching, sharing stories, & passing on whatever I can to whoever wants to listen,” said Ohlmiller in a public statement on social media.
Ohlmiller didn’t have to go far when it came time for college as she stayed home, playing for the Seawolves at Stony Brook University. High school showcased a little bit of her skill, but college is where it really took off. The walls of Lavalle Stadium at Stony Brook University witnessed firsthand the extraordinary athlete that Ohlmiller was.
Take a look at these fun facts about Ohlmiller’s time as a Division I lacrosse player: 498 career points, 252 career goals, 246 career assists, 164 points in a single season, and 84 assists in a single season. INSANITY. Don’t worry though, it only took her 84 games to amass those numbers. Ohlmiller holds the NCAA record for career points in women’s collegiate lacrosse.
Aside from scoring goals and recording assists, Ohlmiller received some awards and honors for her efforts. The Seawolf is a two-time Tewaaraton trophy finalist (‘17, ‘18), IWLCA DI Attacker of the Year (‘17), two-time First-Team All-American, two-time America East Offensive Player of the Year (‘17, ‘18), and a four-time first-team All-America East (‘15-‘18) winner.
Ohlmiller got to share the field with her younger sister, Taryn, for two seasons as a Seawolf. The younger Ohlmiller finished second behind Kylie in Stony Brook history in career goals with 219.
The Attacker went on to play professionally across four different [three are defunct] leagues from 2018-2025. She played in the United Women’s Lacrosse League, Women’s Professional Lacrosse League, Athletes Unlimited, and the Women’s Lacrosse League. Ohlmiller’s professional career saw her make stops in New York, Boston, and Maryland. The Long Island native finished off her professional career playing for the New York Charging. Ohlmiller etched her name in the history books once again as she scored the first-ever goal in league history during her team’s 14-13 win over the Maryland Charm.
If you thought we were gonna go through Ohlmiller’s entire career without the National Team, you were mistaken. Kylie Ohlmiller did in fact play for the United States National Women’s Lacrosse Team. The left handed shooter had stints with Team USA in 2017, 2021, and 2022.
Ohlmiller attributed her success to those who helped her along the way. When the time came to hang up the goggles and the stick, Ohlmiller thanked those closest to her.
“Thank you to every single one of my teammates – who have lifted me up in more ways than I can count. Thank you to my parents for the endless sacrifices they’ve made to allow me to pursue my dreams. Thank you to my sister, Taryn, for constantly providing me with a role model, a shoulder to lean on, and a best friend in our favorite game to play together. Thank you to every coach & mentor I’ve had over the years – for pushing potential out of me that I never saw myself,” said Ohlmiller in a public statement on social media.
Unfortunately, parts of her career were plagued by injury, to combat that and still remain involved with the game, Ohlmiller turned to broadcasting. KO17 returned to her alma mater and served as a color analyst for the Coastal Athletic Association where she provided color commentary for Stony Brook’s games.
Ohlmiller is endorsed by Brine Lax, New Balance, and is the founder of her own company KO17 Lacrosse, a training organization that hosts camps, clinics, and provides online instruction. The retiree also hosts a podcast called “Dream On With Kylie Ohlmiller”.
Sports are a unique space for those who become deeply rooted in them. Some people grow up to play sports for a living, taking their skills to the next level and honing their craft. The one thing most retired athletes fall back on when they’re done playing is the kind of person they became because of the sport they played.
“The biggest thank you of all goes to this beautiful game for giving me the greatest memories, the best relationships, a career path I’m in love with, & lessons to live by for the rest of my life,” said Ohlmiller in a public statement on social media.
Thank you, Kylie Ohlmiller, for leaving the sport better than you found it. A girl from Long Island who made it big in the sport she loved. Your passion and dedication to the sport are next level. Here’s to happiness and success in whatever comes next!
