As the spring sports season commences, the girls varsity lacrosse team is experiencing a change in coaching staff. Rather than by former athletic intern Eileen Giles, the team will be coached by Annie Kandel, a new member of the Circle who accepted the job just months before the season. In addition to coaching the girls lacrosse team, she’s also the Administrative Assistant in the Admissions Office. Kandel is joined by Assistant Coach Randi Dumont in addition to this year’s captains: Alyna Baharozian, Layne McKeown, and Addie Newsome ’18.

Ms. Kandel is no stranger to the world of sports.  She played field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse while attending Governor’s Academy, and played field hockey and lacrosse at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. Kandel was an All-American in lacrosse, was named Lehigh University Outstanding Athlete her senior year, and became a member of the prestigious Patriot League All-Decade Team. Following her college career, she played for the USA Women’s National Team from 1992-1993. (Her son, Matt Kandel ‘20, occupies the first position on the varsity tennis ladder.)

Ms. Kandel has coached lacrosse at schools including Tabor Academy, Cheshire Academy, and the University of Colorado. The Independent School League, too, is familiar to Ms. Kandel, having attended Governor’s and coached at Tabor Academy.

Players are excited for the energy and commitment that Ms. Kandel will bring to the team. “Coach Kandel brings a ton of energy to practice every day,” said Addie. “Everyone on the team really looks up to her and respects her. I’m really impressed with how well she has navigated our team so quickly, and I can already see us becoming a stronger team because of that.”

Girls varsity lacrosse has only played one game so far this season, a tough defeat against a talented St. Paul’s team. “We started off our season with a tough loss to St. Paul’s,” said Addie. “We’re a relatively young team, but I know our energy and grit will take us a long way in this competitive league.”

The team’s first games within the ISL, however, were against Governor’s, to whom they narrowly lost by just one point in overtime, and Dana Hall, whom they trounced 18-9. Their young and energetic team seems to be poised for a strong season under a new coach.