Daily News

Wilbraham & Monson Academy Names Annie Kandel Head Girls Lacrosse Coach

WILBRAHAM — Wilbraham & Monson Academy has named former prep and collegiate standout and renowned coach Annie Kandel as head coach of its girls lacrosse team. Kandel will take the helm of the program at the start of the 2022-23 school year.

“We are so very excited for Coach Annie Kandel to join our team at WMA,” Head of School Brian Easler said. “Her broad experience as a lacrosse player and coach will infuse our girls varsity lax program with heightened energy, and her expertise in the sport of lacrosse and in coaching female student-athletes will be an investment in our commitment to young women. We have some really talented players who have been very well-coached already, and now Coach Kandel will help us bring the program to the next level.”

Kandel will also assume the role of director of Parent Programs for the Academy and will coordinate advancement and development efforts with parents, alumni parents, and grandparents. She brings an array of experience in admissions, athletics, and student life from within the boarding school world to WMA.

“I am thrilled to be joining WMA, a community characterized by a notable spirit and positive values,” Kandel said. “It is clearly a special place and one which has welcomed me with open arms. I am excited to have the opportunity to coach lacrosse in such a respected athletic program and look forward to working with students, parents, and colleagues this fall. Go Titans!”

Kandel joins WMA after successful coaching stints at Groton School, Stuart Country Day School, Tabor Academy, Cheshire Academy, Stoneleigh-Burnham School, and the University of Colorado. She has led her teams to multiple state and New England championships as well as an undefeated, untied season. She also coaches for the Baystate Bullets Lacrosse Club.

She is a product of independent schools, having been a standout athlete in field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse at Governor’s Academy before excelling in both field hockey and lacrosse at Lehigh University. 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 U.S. Women’s National Team in 1992-93.