Athletic Director Alfred Brown and Athletic Coordinator Linda Brown are set to retire in June 2022 after 22 years of service to Portsmouth Abbey School. They have worked together in the athletics department that entire time. Linda was also Head Houseparent in St. Mary’s House for seven years and the assistant golf coach for four years.

Over the span of Al’s career as athletic director, the School’s program grew with the addition of the Squash Fitness Center and St. Hilda’s Turf Field. Under his leadership, the School program accomplished the transition to the Eastern Independent League (EIL), the Evergreen Football League and the Holt Boys’ Ice Hockey Conference, and the program saw expansion in the area of girls’ tennis, squash, golf and volleyball as well as the coed wrestling program.

In addition to Director of Athletics, Al served as affiliate in St. Mary’s House, was a student advisor and a long-standing member of the School’s discipline committee. On the field, he has led the Ravens as Head Varsity Boys' Lacrosse Coach, Head Varsity Football Coach, Head Girls’ Soccer Coach and Girls’ JV Basketball Coach. Al will continue to coach the Boys’ Lacrosse Team. During his career, Al has earned multiple recognitions as Coach of the Year by both US Lacrosse and the Eastern Independent League (EIL). As the head lacrosse and football coach at Portsmouth Abbey School, nine of his teams won EIL lacrosse championships, and three have captured Evergreen football championships.

“To sum up the impact Coach Brown has had on my family and me is a pretty difficult task. Having been a coach and mentor to my two brothers and me, Coach Brown has helped the three of us achieve our dreams of playing at the next level. I can't thank Coach Brown enough for his influence on my life, which goes far beyond the field. Thank you for helping me grow as a leader, athlete, and human. From the Baughan family to you, Coach Brown, thank you for everything, and enjoy retirement, you deserve it!” – Charlie Baughan ’22

After more than two decades living and working on campus, Al and Linda plan to spend their time in their homes in Portsmouth, RI and Rangeley, ME, and enjoying visits from their children, Jennifer, Meg and Taylor, and their five grandchildren, William, Austin, Tucker, Bailey and Grant.

“I am fortunate and proud to have served as Director of Athletics at the Abbey,” Al commented.

“My connection and interaction with many Abbey student/athletes, parents, coaches, the monastic community, peer schools and all of the departments on our campus has been by far the most rewarding part of my time at the Abbey. It is always a great day to be a Raven!”

“We thank Al and Linda for their many years of service to the Portsmouth Abbey School community and wish them all the best in their retirement years,” said Head of School Matt Walter. “There aren’t enough superlatives to describe adequately their contributions. We are especially grateful that Coach Brown has agreed to stay on for a few more years as the head lacrosse coach.”

The School is conducting a nation-wide search for Al’s successor and plans to share news on the results of that search soon.