Annie Kandel P’20, P'23, Groton’s head girls lacrosse coach, is defined by her enthusiasm and passion for the game and her distinguished history of success as both player and coach. She was a standout field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse player at Governor’s Academy, then moved on to Lehigh University, where she excelled in both field hockey and lacrosse. She earned league, regional, and All-American honors in lacrosse and was named the Lehigh University Outstanding Athlete her senior year. She was also honored as a member of the Patriot League All-Decade team and played for the USA Women’s National Team in 1992–93.

 

Coach Kandel has coached teams at Stuart Country Day, Tabor Academy, Cheshire Academy, Stoneleigh-Burnham School, and the University of Colorado, and has led her squads to multiple state/New England championships as well as an undefeated, untied season. Her philosophy is that practices should have the appropriate balance of physical and mental challenge—and should also include a healthy dose of fun. Come game time, the expectation is that every team member needs to give her best effort in every competition, thus contributing to individual growth and development as well as team success.