Tommy Kilroy is a dynamic ambassador for his school and his community.

A senior at King Philip Regional, Kilroy is a three-sport captain, a two-sport Hockomock League all-star, a two-time National Honor Society student (4.01 GPA), an active contributor in the TOPS Youth Soccer Program (Norfolk, Wrentham and Plainville) where he assisted special needs kids, and he’s still active in KP’s peer-mentoring and tutoring programs.

The 18-year-old Norfolk native is also a state champion. He was a safety and a receiver in football, helping the Warriors win a state championship in 2023 when KP dominated Marshfield, 42-14, in the Division 2 Super Bowl.

Now competing in lacrosse, the 6-foot-3, 200-pound Kilroy is wrapping up his 10th varsity season (3 in football, 4 in basketball and 3 in lacrosse) and soon will be enrolling at Wesleyan where he plans to major in economics and compete in football. 

Playing midfield in lacrosse, Kilroy isn’t shy about expressing his team goals — a state crown and a Kelly-Rex Division title are the priorities.

“We want to qualify for the playoffs, go on a deep run and battle for a state championship,’’ he said. “We finished third in the Kelly-Rex Division last year but we’ve got the talent to win both the league and state titles. Our team has experience, we’re skilled, have a high lacrosse IQ, we’re instinctive and athletic.’’

KP’s lacrosse team hasn’t advanced deep in tourney action during Kilroy’s two previous seasons. As a sophomore, he and the Warriors lost in the opening round to Milton and last year KP lost in the second round to Billerica. Kilroy had 6 goals and 22 assists as a sophomore and last year he scored 12 goals and had 11 assists.

Kilroy’s personal goal is to be a Hockomock League all-star in lacrosse, which would make him a three-sport all-star.

Coach Hal Bean has high praise for Kilroy, calling him “the complete package.’’

“Tommy is durable, fast and smart,’’ Bean emphasized. “His lacrosse IQ is very high, he’s got amazing ability and has great instincts. A fast learner, he understands offensive and defensive schemes, is excellent in transition, and he’s agile and strong. He’s a captain who leads by example, who communicates well and is supportive of his teammates.’’

KP lost only five seniors from last year’s 12-6 squad and has 11 experienced returnees. Kilroy knows his teammates will commit to a strong work ethic and he’s sure the Warriors’ other four captains will be major contributors. They include senior Pat Weiblen (attack) and juniors Mason Thompson (attack), Brodie McDonald (defense) and Finn Cunningham (goalie).

“All four captains lead by example, they’re vocal and communicate well, and they’re supportive,’’ Kilroy offered. “The group is talented, well-skilled and they’re great to be with on and off the field.’’

Kilroy also is effusive in assessing his coach’s approach. “Coach Bean is passionate about lacrosse and has a great sense of the game,’’ Kilroy noted. He adjusts quickly, is a very good motivator and he pushes us to do our best.’’

Relying on a style that’s aggressive, Kilroy can also lower the temperature and compete with finesse. “I like to use my size as an advantage and play with a great sense of awareness,’’ he said. “My favorite situation in the midfield is forcing a turnover. It’s all about hustle and grinding it out.’’

Kilroy certainly has been a major factor in the early part of KP’s schedule. At Local Town Pages deadline, he had 2 goals and 13 assists, and the Warriors had a 4-1 record. “Tommy has been fantastic,’’ Bean said. “He’s so valuable and he knows every facet of being a midfielder.’’

Kilroy chose Wesleyan over Middlebury, Assumption and Colby. Calling Wesleyan’s football staff “very personable,’’ he said that head coach Don DiCenzo “believes I could get playing time at safety.’’ Kilroy may consider playing lacrosse, too, if he can maintain high standards on the academic front. 

Kilroy knows the jump from high school football to the college game is difficult but is confident the transition will be smooth. “It’s a big jump and it’s going to take dedication and commitment to be successful,’’ he said, “but I think I’ll be okay.’’

Kilroy got some good vibes about Wesleyan when he got a call from an unexpected source — former Franklin High star Jack Nally who played football and baseball at Wesleyan and now is the head coach of baseball at Millis High.

“He talked about how a Hockomock League guy can thrive in the NESCAC (New England Small College Athletic Conference),’’ Kilroy recalled. “He gave me hope about my transition and told me about the expectations. He also reinforced my decision to go to Wesleyan.’’ 

Kilroy’s competitive philosophy is all about winning, reaching one’s potential and having fun. “Winning is fun and having fun comes from winning,’’ he said. “Reaching your potential also helps an athlete to win. You need all three to have success.’’

Valuable life lessons can be learned from athletics and Kilroy has respect for what’s transpired in his three-sport experience. “I’ve learned how to overcome adversity, how to be resilient, how to lead and be a quality teammate, and how to accept responsibility and be accountable,’’ he said. “Being a captain in three sports has been enjoyable. I like having responsibilities and being the guy that teammates respect.’’

Kilroy’s ability has generated plenty of respect in all three sports. In football, he had nine career interceptions, two of which were picks for TDs. His senior year included 20 receptions for 300 yards. His best game was a 41-7 triumph over Milford last year when he had a pick-6, seven tackles (4 for losses) and three receptions for 45 yards.

In basketball, where he was a two-time captain, he averaged 14.1 points and 8.2 rebounds his senior year. His best game was an 80-54 win over Everett this year when he scored 23 points and had 15 rebounds.

His best games in lacrosse were wins over Stoughton and Hopkinton. He scored four goals and had two assists against Stoughton, and against Hopkinton he had a goal and an assist. “What was refreshing against Hopkinton was defending and shutting down their star attackman, Logan DelPonte, who was a Division 1 college commit,’’ Kilroy noted. “I shut him down after his first goal.’’

Kilroy’s top KP sports moment was winning the Super Bowl his junior year. “That was my most thrilling event,’’ he said. “I had a good day at safety against Marshfield. It was a great team effort and will always be the main topic when teammates talk about the past.’’

Calling his parents (Tish and Rob) role models, he’s thankful for all their sacrifices. “They’ve attended so many of my games, they’re unselfish and also inspiring and encouraging,’’ said Kilroy who has two younger sisters. 

Kilroy, like his parents, has also been unselfish, encouraging and inspiring in three athletic venues, in the academic arena and in his community.

Much has been accomplished and Kilroy appreciates all the opportunities he’s had during the last four years.

“Playing for the Warriors has provided memories I will forever cherish and friendships that will last a lifetime,’’ he said. “KP is a special place where everyone supports one another. The community has been remarkable with passionate crowds at every game. As my career begins to wrap up, I want to thank those who helped me achieve so much — my family, friends, classmates, coaches, teachers, and this community. Their guidance has turned me into the man I am today. When a new chapter begins at Wesleyan, I’ll never forget how honored I was to represent the Green and Gold. There’s no other school I would rather be associated with.’’

Tommy Kilroy gets high marks as a role model and for being a top-notch ambassador for KP’s school district.