Matt Kandel '20

Tennis and Football at Williams College
How did Groton prepare you to play in college?
Groton prepared me for college both athletically and academically, as I learned to manage my time in the classroom while training to play sports in college. The rigor of the academics combined with high-level training on the tennis court allowed me to hit the ground running as soon as I got to Williams.

What is your favorite memory from your Groton athletic career?
My favorite memory is probably winning my final high school football game 46–0 against St. Mark’s. A couple personal goals and team goals were met that day and allowed me to finish my Groton football career on the highest note possible.

Do you have a highlight from college that you'd like to share?
The highlight so far would be winning a national tennis championship in the fall, and being ranked the number-one doubles team in the nation.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to play a sport in college?
My advice would be not to specialize too early. I played three sports throughout my time at Groton, and it allowed me not only to play tennis in college but also to be a member of the football team at Groton. As long as you work hard at whatever it is you are training in, playing other sports in high school will not hurt your collegiate chances.

Athletic accomplishments at Groton
New England Prep School Invitational Tennis Tournament (NEPSITT) champion 
Coaches’ Award, football
Potter Award
Captain, varsity football
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