portsmouth abbey news
Ravens Roundup: March 2026
JJ Servidea '27 sailing with the team in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Spring vacation Training!
An intrinsic component of Ravens Athletics, our varsity student-athletes took their training beyond campus, traveling to destinations tailored to their sports. The Varsity Lacrosse and Baseball teams headed south to take advantage of warmer weather and high-quality training facilities, sharpening their skills ahead of the competitive season. Meanwhile, the Co-ed Sailing team traveled to a premier coastal location, gaining valuable time on the water in ideal conditions. These pre-season trips not only enhance athletic performance but also foster teamwork, independence, and school spirit, setting a strong foundation for the season ahead.
Boys Varsity Lacrosse 2026 Team in Baltimore, Maryland.
boys varsity LAcrosse
Our Boys Varsity Lacrosse Spring Vacation trip was a tremendous success and a valuable experience for the thirty boys who participated. This was the 25th year of traveling to Baltimore and Johns Hopkins University. The trip began with practices on campus, and on the first day off campus, the team traveled to The Haverford School, PA, where it had a strong showing in a competitive scrimmage. Players from Form III (9th grade) through Form VI (12th grade) contributed to providing a great opportunity to compete together and continue building chemistry early in the season.
The team also had the unique opportunity to practice three times at Johns Hopkins’ historic Homewood Field. The tradition of lacrosse on this field made the experience especially meaningful. While on campus, the players watched a Johns Hopkins Blue Jays practice and saw the game played at the highest collegiate level.
A highlight of the trip was a visit from Abbey alumnus Drake Kreinz ‘06, a former captain of both the football and lacrosse teams who continued his lacrosse career at Penn State, captaining the Nittany Lions in 2010.
He spoke to the team about leadership, discipline and representing the Abbey with pride.
The team also had a joint practice with Friends School, Md. and concluded the trip with the traditional Crimson and White intra-squad scrimmage on Homewood Field. Battling through rain, the players competed hard, improved, and bonded as a team, with strong senior leadership throughout the trip.
varsity Sailing
Twelve members of the Abbey sailing team traveled to St. Petersburg, FL, for their annual Spring training trip, an important opportunity to prepare for the highly competitive 2026 sailing season. The team trained out of Eckerd College, whose waterfront campus and access to the Tampa Bay provide ideal conditions for early-season practice, including steady breeze, open water and varied course environments.
Throughout the week, sailors focused on refining their skills in Club 420 dinghies - commonly known as "420s," a technical double-handed boat that demands coordination, communication and precision. Daily sessions emphasized boat handling drills, starting practice, communication on the water, defensive sailing and executing plays designed to control opponents and secure winning combinations.
The trip was led by coaches Jonathan Harley, Gregg Dietrich '74, Bryndol Sones, and guest coach Ceci Bohan '20. Leadership on and off the water was further strengthened by team captains Luca Donadino, Maren Townsend, and Owen Barry, alongside team members - Chloe Shurr, Serenity Backman, Magnolia Pin, JJ Servidea, Lily Servidea, Jonathan Wang, Alex Filiberto, Aliki Peabody and Andrew Vellis.
A highlight of the trip for many team members was the post-dinner tradition of visiting Yogurtology, a team favorite specializing in a wide selection of frozen yogurt flavors and toppings, providing a tasty way to unwind after rigorous training! Overall, the Spring training trip served as a valuable foundation for the upcoming season in an environment that set the tone for competitive success.
Left (L-R): Maren Tounsend '26 and Luca Donadio '26 preparing for sailing drills.
Varsity Baseball Team 2026 in Vero Beach, Florida.
varsity Baseball
Varsity Baseball continued a growing tradition this spring vacation, traveling for the fifth consecutive year to the Jackie Robinson Training Center in Vero Beach, FL, from March 19 to 24. Over six days in the Florida sun, thirteen varsity players sharpened their skills through focused practices, building stronger bonds through team activities, and competed in two scrimmages. The trip provided valuable early-season experience, allowing the team to refine strategies and develop chemistry on and off the field as they prepare to defend last year's league champion title. More than just preparation for the season ahead, the annual visit has become a cornerstone of the program, blending hard work, camaraderie and a shared passion for the game.
Gearing up for the spring season
Spring sports are officially underway, bringing renewed energy and excitement across campus. After the break, the Varsity Tennis Team returned to action on the brand-new courts, which have already made a strong impression. While a few final touches are still being completed, the upgraded surfaces have been a welcome addition, and the players are enjoying every moment of them.
Our Girls and Boys Varsity Lacrosse teams started their season on a high note, earning impressive wins against Lawrence Academy and St. Mark's School. Meanwhile, our Girls Varsity Golf, Softball, Tennis, and Track & Field teams continue to train hard as they prepare for upcoming competitions. Notable early events include Golf facing Dexter Southfield on April 15 and Softball taking on Mount Saint Charles Academy on April 4. Although Girls Varsity Tennis fell to Dexter Southfield on April 1, the team remains focused and determined for the matches ahead.
Left (L-R): Samuel Bishop-Grande '27 and Easton Theberge '27 playing doubles on the new courts (work in progress).
Alumni Spotlight: Jacob Ierfino '21 clinches NCAA DIII Ice Hockey title
On March 29, 2026, Portsmouth Abbey School proudly celebrated a remarkable achievement by alumnus Jacob Ierfino ’21, who helped lead the Hamilton College Men’s Hockey to its first-ever NCAA Division III Men’s Hockey Championship. In a thrilling overtime finish, the Continentals defeated the three-time defending national champions 2-1, cementing their place in program history and marking a defining moment in Ierfino's athletic career.
Now a junior at Hamilton College, he is pursuing a degree in Government while excelling both on and off the ice. In addition to being a national champion, he has earned recognition as an All-American Scholar, demonstrating the same discipline in the classroom as he brings to the competition.
Ierfino's impact extends far beyond hockey and back into service for his community, a continuation of the volunteer initiatives and the spirit of giving instilled during his time at the Abbey. A dedicated leader in community engagement, he actively participates in the Breaking Bread program, where Hamilton players mentor and support local youth hockey players ages 5-12. Continuing his commitment to service, Ierfino and his teammates also founded the Make-A-Wish Foundation chapter at Hamilton College, helping provide life-changing wishes for children facing critical illnesses.
His passion for giving back is further reflected in his work with the Urban Utica Forest Revitalization initiative, where he helps plant trees in underserved urban areas, and his annual volunteering at the American Red Cross Blood Drive.
This summer, Ierfino will take his talents into the professional world as an Investment Banking Intern at Needham & Company in Boston, applying his leadership, critical thinking and teamwork skills while continuing to build a strong foundation for his professional career.
From championship success to meaningful service, Jacob exemplifies the values he cultivated at Portsmouth Abbey School - leadership, integrity and a commitment to giving back to your community through grace. We take immense pride in our alumni, whose dedication and excellence in athletics continue to inspire and elevate our own Raven community.
Right: Newly titled champion, Jacob Ierfino '21, poses with the NCAA DIII trophy.
Hamilton College NCAA DIII Men's Hockey Team posing with the National Championship title.