portsmouth abbey Athletes seek to make history during centennial year
An interview with Athletic Director Chris Milmoe
What is your mentality as we begin the school year for both your students and athletics?
As we enter into our Centennial year, the athletic program is fully celebrating Portsmouth Abbey and its rich history. We are using the slogan “Make History.” We are challenging our students to recognize the School’s incredible past but also to make their own impact here at Portsmouth Abbey. They are our present and future, and while they’re here, they get to make an impact on the athletic program and join the incredible School history that we’ve had for 100 years.
Are there any teams, players or coaches who are having an exciting season or emerging as ones to watch?
Absolutely. Steve Zins, Head Coach of the Girls Varsity Soccer team, was named Coach of the Year last year, and he is excited about his returning team. Last year they qualified for the NEPSAC tournament and made it to the semifinals. Varsity Field Hockey also qualified for the NEPSAC tournament and reached the semifinals, and they are looking to build on that success. We’re also excited about our new Nead Varsity Football Coach, Silas Copeland. He served as our defensive coordinator last year and took over as head coach in January. He’s working with a group of new players while bringing a sense of joy to the team and reinforcing the importance of Portsmouth Abbey football.
How is the Athletics Department celebrating the Centennial year?
We’re very excited to debut the Portsmouth Abbey Athletic Hall of Fame during Reunion Weekend as part of the school’s Centennial celebration. When I arrived, I saw an opportunity to recognize Portsmouth Abbey’s rich athletic history and the exceptional athletes who have come through the school. With tremendous support from our alumni community, we selected an inaugural class of 11 individuals and one team to be inducted on Sept 25. We’re also installing plaques on campus so current students can learn about the athletes who came before them, including Jo Sullivan ‘45, Terry McGurk ‘69 and world champion sailor Mark Holowesko ‘78. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate our athletic tradition and connect today’s students to the legacy of Portsmouth Abbey.
Do you have a personal goal for yourself and your coaches this year?
One of the questions I regularly ask our coaching staff is, “What does a great Portsmouth Abbey coach look like?” The first step is building strong relationships with our student athletes. We want coaches to create an environment where students are excited to come to practice each day. Joy is central to our approach. Students learn a great deal through athletics, including how to respond to failure. A tough loss can become an opportunity for tremendous growth. Our goal is for coaches to build strong relationships, be enthusiastic and engaging, and provide an outstanding, positive learning experience for every student athlete.