Winter Sports

Wrestling - Varsity
The wrestling program encourages students to reach their potential in the classroom as well as on the mats, and fosters a healthy respect for coaches, officials, opponents, and the game itself. Because wrestling demands an individual commitment to hard, physical work, we train our athletes in both physical and mental aspects of the game. Head Coach: Mike McLarney Coach Mike McLarney joined the Portsmouth Abbey coaching staff in 2012 and is took the reins as Head Coach in 2014. Coach McLarney was a New England Champion wrestler in both high school and college and has been coaching at the high school and collegiate levels since 1977. He is a bronze level coach with USA Wrestling and in addition to coaching has been very active as a wrestling official since 1979, also at both high school and collegiate levels. Coach McLarney brings a wealth of knowledge to the Portsmouth Abbey wrestling program and places importance in striving for the growth and success of his wrestlers and teams. In the past he has coached soccer and baseball and continues on as an umpire in baseball. Coach McLarney lives in Newport with his wife Cheryl and takes great pride in his three children, their spouses, and his three grandchildren. Assistant Coach: David Wilson

Wrestling - Varsity

The wrestling program encourages students to reach their potential in the classroom as well as on the mats, and fosters a healthy respect for coaches, officials, opponents, and the game itself. Because wrestling demands an individual commitment to hard, physical work, we train our athletes in both physical and mental aspects of the game.

Head Coach: Mike McLarney

Coach Mike McLarney joined the Portsmouth Abbey coaching staff in 2012 and is took the reins as Head Coach in 2014. Coach McLarney was a New England Champion wrestler in both high school and college and has been coaching at the high school and collegiate levels since 1977. He is a bronze level coach with USA Wrestling and in addition to coaching has been very active as a wrestling official since 1979, also at both high school and collegiate levels. Coach McLarney brings a wealth of knowledge to the Portsmouth Abbey wrestling program and places importance in striving for the growth and success of his wrestlers and teams. In the past he has coached soccer and baseball and continues on as an umpire in baseball. Coach McLarney lives in Newport with his wife Cheryl and takes great pride in his three children, their spouses, and his three grandchildren.

Assistant Coach: David Wilson

Girls basketball - varsity
The girls basketball program at Portsmouth Abbey encourages students to reach their full potential both on and off the court. Players are challenged to improve their individual ball handling skills, shooting, defense and rebounding in order to improve as a team and attain team goals set throughout the season. The girls basketball program includes both a junior varsity and varsity level, allowing ample practice time to thoroughly prepare for each contest. Team play is stressed in all aspects with a particular emphasis on team defense, forcing our opponents to earn every point they score. Our girls varsity basketball team is a member of the Eastern Independent League (EIL). EIL member schools include Bancroft School, Beaver Country Day, Berwick Academy, Concord Academy, Dana Hall School, Landmark School, Lexington Christian, Newton Country Day, Pingree School and Winsor School. We also compete against traditional rivals St. George's and Pomfret Head Coach: Ryan Wood Assistant Coaches: Darryl DeMarzio & Erin Wood

Girls basketball - varsity

The girls basketball program at Portsmouth Abbey encourages students to reach their full potential both on and off the court. Players are challenged to improve their individual ball handling skills, shooting, defense and rebounding in order to improve as a team and attain team goals set throughout the season. The girls basketball program includes both a junior varsity and varsity level, allowing ample practice time to thoroughly prepare for each contest. Team play is stressed in all aspects with a particular emphasis on team defense, forcing our opponents to earn every point they score.

Our girls varsity basketball team is a member of the Eastern Independent League (EIL). EIL member schools include Bancroft School, Beaver Country Day, Berwick Academy, Concord Academy, Dana Hall School, Landmark School, Lexington Christian, Newton Country Day, Pingree School and Winsor School. We also compete against traditional rivals St. George's and Pomfret

Head Coach: Ryan Wood
Assistant Coaches: Darryl DeMarzio & Erin Wood

girls basketball - junior varsity
Along with the varsity program, we offer a highly demanding junior varsity program, where less experienced players come to learn and appreciate the necessity of individually skilled and aggressive play, with emphasize on teamwork and respect for the opponent, officials, fans, and the game. JV Head Coach: Shane McCarthy JV Assistant Coach: Susan McCarthy

girls basketball - junior varsity

Along with the varsity program, we offer a highly demanding junior varsity program, where less experienced players come to learn and appreciate the necessity of individually skilled and aggressive play, with emphasize on teamwork and respect for the opponent, officials, fans, and the game.

JV Head Coach: Shane McCarthy
JV Assistant Coach: Susan McCarthy 

girls ice hockey - varsity
The Portsmouth Abbey Girls Varsity Ice Hockey program fosters a healthy respect for coaches, officials, opponents, and the game itself. The program encourages students to reach their potential in the classroom as well as on the ice. Players are challenged to become better puck handlers, improve their tactical knowledge, and set individual goals to become team players. Practices are fast-paced and include many transitional drills, situations and space-restricted games. Our coaches encourage players to participate in other sports, which helps develop their overall athleticism. The coaches also assist players who are interested in continuing to play ice hockey at the college level. Girls varsity ice hockey is a member of the Eastern Independent League (EIL). EIL member schools include Berwick Academy, Concord Academy, Dana Hall School, Newton Country Day, Pingree School and Winsor School. Non-league opponents include St.George's, Vermont Academy, Thayer Academy and Canterbury. Head Coach: Kurt Carter Assistant Coaches: Julia DellaRusso and Taylor Steadman

girls ice hockey - varsity

The Portsmouth Abbey Girls Varsity Ice Hockey program fosters a healthy respect for coaches, officials, opponents, and the game itself. The program encourages students to reach their potential in the classroom as well as on the ice. Players are challenged to become better puck handlers, improve their tactical knowledge, and set individual goals to become team players. Practices are fast-paced and include many transitional drills, situations and space-restricted games. Our coaches encourage players to participate in other sports, which helps develop their overall athleticism. The coaches also assist players who are interested in continuing to play ice hockey at the college level.

Girls varsity ice hockey is a member of the Eastern Independent League (EIL). EIL member schools include Berwick Academy, Concord Academy, Dana Hall School, Newton Country Day, Pingree School and Winsor School. Non-league opponents include St.George's, Vermont Academy, Thayer Academy and Canterbury.

Head Coach: Kurt Carter

Assistant Coaches: Julia DellaRusso and Taylor Steadman

girls ice hockey - junior varsity
Junior varsity teams at Portsmouth Abbey strive to achieve excellence on and off the field. Our program offers students the opportunity to develop the skills necessary for continued growth and success within a chosen sport, preparing student-athletes to move on to the varsity level. Head Coach: Daniel Caplin

girls ice hockey - junior varsity

Junior varsity teams at Portsmouth Abbey strive to achieve excellence on and off the field. Our program offers students the opportunity to develop the skills necessary for continued growth and success within a chosen sport, preparing student-athletes to move on to the varsity level.

Head Coach: Daniel Caplin 

girls squash - varsity
The Portsmouth Abbey Girls Squash Team is a member of the Eastern Independent League (EIL). EIL member schools include Concord Academy, Dana Hall School, Newton Country Day, and Winsor School. We also compete against traditional competitors such as St. George's, Tabor, Pomfret, St. Mark's, Brooks and Moses Brown. The varsity squash program at Portsmouth Abbey School encourages students to reach their potential in the classroom as well as on the squash court. The program is built with an emphasis on fundamentals, dedication, and love of the game. We foster respect for coaches, officials, and opponents. Because squash demands both team stability and an individual commitment to hard, physical work, we train our athletes in both physical and mental aspects of the game while also encouraging them to have fun. Practices are fast-paced and include many fitness, conditioning, footwork, and technical drills.  Head Coach: Hugh Richardson  Assistant Coach: Gersende Chanfrau

girls squash - varsity

The Portsmouth Abbey Girls Squash Team is a member of the Eastern Independent League (EIL). EIL member schools include Concord Academy, Dana Hall School, Newton Country Day, and Winsor School. We also compete against traditional competitors such as St. George's, Tabor, Pomfret, St. Mark's, Brooks and Moses Brown.

The varsity squash program at Portsmouth Abbey School encourages students to reach their potential in the classroom as well as on the squash court. The program is built with an emphasis on fundamentals, dedication, and love of the game. We foster respect for coaches, officials, and opponents. Because squash demands both team stability and an individual commitment to hard, physical work, we train our athletes in both physical and mental aspects of the game while also encouraging them to have fun. Practices are fast-paced and include many fitness, conditioning, footwork, and technical drills. 

Head Coach: Hugh Richardson 
Assistant Coach: Gersende Chanfrau 

girls squash - junior varsity
Junior varsity teams at Portsmouth Abbey strive to achieve excellence on and off the field. Our program offers students the opportunity to develop the skills necessary for continued growth and success within a chosen sport, preparing student-athletes to move on to the varsity level. Head Coach: Hugh Richardson Assistant Coach: Gersende Chanfrau

girls squash - junior varsity

Head Coach: Hugh Richardson
Assistant Coach: Gersende Chanfrau 

boys basketball - varsity
The Portsmouth Abbey Basketball program believes in providing a challenging and educational experience both on and off the court. Basketball players are expected to strive to reach their very best academically, socially and athletically. Our coaching staff believes in a smart, aggressive brand of basketball that honors the game with strong defense and a quick-paced offense. Practices emphasize working together to win as a team with respect for the opponent, officials, fans, and the game. The team plays its home games in front of passionate fans in a "Hoosiers"-style gym on campus. Boys varsity basketball is a member of the Eastern Independent League (EIL). EIL member schools include Bancroft School, Beaver Country Day, Berwick Academy, Concord Academy, Landmark School, Lexington Christian, and Pingree School. We also compete against traditional rivals St. George's and Pomfret. Head Coach: Clarence Chenoweth Coach Clarence Chenoweth came to Portsmouth Abbey in 1995. He coached both JV basketball and girls' varsity basketball before becoming the Head Coach of the boys varsity basketball team. Under his guidance the boys basketball team won the SENE Championship in 2005. Coach Chenoweth played collegiate basketball at Salve Regina University. In addition to his responsibilities in athletics, Coach Chenoweth serves as the Dean of Students and teaches math. He lives on Corys Lane with his wife and their two children. Assistant Coach: Dr. Stephen Zins

boys basketball - varsity

The Portsmouth Abbey Basketball program believes in providing a challenging and educational experience both on and off the court. Basketball players are expected to strive to reach their very best academically, socially and athletically. Our coaching staff believes in a smart, aggressive brand of basketball that honors the game with strong defense and a quick-paced offense. Practices emphasize working together to win as a team with respect for the opponent, officials, fans, and the game. The team plays its home games in front of passionate fans in a "Hoosiers"-style gym on campus.

Boys varsity basketball is a member of the Eastern Independent League (EIL). EIL member schools include Bancroft School, Beaver Country Day, Berwick Academy, Concord Academy, Landmark School, Lexington Christian, and Pingree School. We also compete against traditional rivals St. George's and Pomfret.

Head Coach: Clarence Chenoweth

Coach Clarence Chenoweth came to Portsmouth Abbey in 1995. He coached both JV basketball and girls' varsity basketball before becoming the Head Coach of the boys varsity basketball team. Under his guidance the boys basketball team won the SENE Championship in 2005. Coach Chenoweth played collegiate basketball at Salve Regina University. In addition to his responsibilities in athletics, Coach Chenoweth serves as the Dean of Students and teaches math. He lives on Corys Lane with his wife and their two children.

Assistant Coach: Dr. Stephen Zins

boys basketball - junior varsity
Along with the varsity program, we offer a highly demanding junior varsity program (JV and JVB), where less experienced players come to learn and appreciate the necessity of individually skilled and aggressive play, with emphasize on teamwork and respect for the opponent, officials, fans, and the game. Head Coach: Ben Sprague Assistant Coach: Sebastian Gonzalez

boys basketball - junior varsity

Along with the varsity program, we offer a highly demanding junior varsity program (JV and JVB), where less experienced players come to learn and appreciate the necessity of individually skilled and aggressive play, with emphasize on teamwork and respect for the opponent, officials, fans, and the game.

Head Coach: Ben Sprague
Assistant Coach: Sebastian Gonzalez

boys ice hockey - varsity
The boys hockey program at Portsmouth Abbey encourages students to reach their potential in the classroom and in the rink. Players are challenged to become better puck handlers, improve their tactical knowledge, and set individual goals to be team players. Practices are fast-paced and include many transitional drills and situations. Coaches believe in a style of play based on sound defensive principles and a quick transition offense. The coaches also encourage players to participate in other sports, which helps to develop their overall athleticism. The program also fosters a healthy respect for coaches, officials, opponents, and the game itself. Head Coach: Zachery Cappelli Zachery Cappelli joined Portsmouth Abbey School in the summer of 2023 as the head coach for boys’ varsity ice hockey. A graduate of Becker College in Worcester, Massachusetts, Cappelli has previously seen success at both the independent school and collegiate levels. An experienced leader in youth training and development, he has worked with students aged 12-25 to build their skills and knowledge of the game and understand the importance of conditioning and specialized cultivation of personal strengths and skill sets. Most recently, he served as the assistant mens hockey coach at Nichols College, where he recruited student-athletes from North America and Europe to play hockey and helped lead the Bison to the 2023 Boston Landing Championship and the 2022 Worcester Cup Championship. Before his collegiate experience, Cappelli was the assistant coach at Winchendon School (NEPSAC) and the head coach and assistant athletic director at Hoosac School (NEPSAC), where his team captured the Holt Conference Championship. He is affiliated with the Broncos Hockey Club and the Little Rhody Hockey Club operating out of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. He is the owner of Level Up Hockey Development, a skill development and consulting company geared toward helping hockey players improve and reach their goals. Assistant Coaches: Sam Funnell and Derek Gittus

boys ice hockey - varsity

The boys hockey program at Portsmouth Abbey encourages students to reach their potential in the classroom and in the rink. Players are challenged to become better puck handlers, improve their tactical knowledge, and set individual goals to be team players. Practices are fast-paced and include many transitional drills and situations. Coaches believe in a style of play based on sound defensive principles and a quick transition offense. The coaches also encourage players to participate in other sports, which helps to develop their overall athleticism. The program also fosters a healthy respect for coaches, officials, opponents, and the game itself.

Head Coach: Zachery Cappelli

Zachery Cappelli joined Portsmouth Abbey School in the summer of 2023 as the head coach for boys’ varsity ice hockey. A graduate of Becker College in Worcester, Massachusetts, Cappelli has previously seen success at both the independent school and collegiate levels. An experienced leader in youth training and development, he has worked with students aged 12-25 to build their skills and knowledge of the game and understand the importance of conditioning and specialized cultivation of personal strengths and skill sets.

Most recently, he served as the assistant mens hockey coach at Nichols College, where he recruited student-athletes from North America and Europe to play hockey and helped lead the Bison to the 2023 Boston Landing Championship and the 2022 Worcester Cup Championship. Before his collegiate experience, Cappelli was the assistant coach at Winchendon School (NEPSAC) and the head coach and assistant athletic director at Hoosac School (NEPSAC), where his team captured the Holt Conference Championship. He is affiliated with the Broncos Hockey Club and the Little Rhody Hockey Club operating out of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. He is the owner of Level Up Hockey Development, a skill development and consulting company geared toward helping hockey players improve and reach their goals.

Assistant Coaches: Sam Funnell and Derek Gittus

boys ice hockey - junior varsity
Along with the varsity program, we offer a highly demanding junior varsity program, where less experienced players come to learn and appreciate the necessity of individually skilled and aggressive play, with emphasis on teamwork and respect for the opponent, officials, fans, and the game. Coach Head Coach: Colin McKay  Assistant Coach: Brian Torello

boys ice hockey - junior varsity

Along with the varsity program, we offer a highly demanding junior varsity program, where less experienced players come to learn and appreciate the necessity of individually skilled and aggressive play, with emphasis on teamwork and respect for the opponent, officials, fans, and the game.

Coach Head Coach: Colin McKay 
Assistant Coach: Brian Torello

boys squash - varsity
The varsity squash program at Portsmouth Abbey School encourages students to reach their potential in the classroom as well as on the squash court. It fosters a healthy respect for coaches, officials, opponents, and the game itself. Because squash demands both team stability and an individual commitment to hard, physical work, we train our athletes in both physical and mental aspects of the game. Practices are fast-paced and include many fitness, conditioning, and technical drills. Our squash team competes with traditional New England Squash teams such as Tabor Academy, St. George's, Milton, Noble and Greenough, and Concord Academy. Each year the team participates in the two-day New England Championship Tournament. Squash players compete in our Squash & Fitness facility with eight international courts and a comprehensive fitness facility for conditioning. Head Coach: Wayne Turner Coach Wayne Turner has a full season of coaching squash under his belt, as well as six seasons of coaching boys' tennis. The squash team captured Eastern Independent League Championships in 2015, 2016, and 2017. In 2014 and 2013 the team finished in second place in league play, falling in their last match of each season. The Ravens' overall league record is 40 wins with just four losses. The 2017 team was represented by eight Sixth Form student-athletes who competed for a third consecutive championship in their last year at Portsmouth Abbey. Prior to joining Portsmouth Abbey, Coach Turner worked with programs at several Rhode Island schools, including Providence College, where his team captured a New England Championship in 2004. Turner is also the Director of Professional Coaching Certification in New England with the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA). He has been named Tester of the Year four times since 2000. In addition to playing intercollegiate tennis, Coach Turner has represented New England nationally at the 5.0 level in USTA competition and has privately coached R.I. State High School Champions in both singles and doubles. Coach Turner resides in Jamestown, RI.

boys squash - varsity

The varsity squash program at Portsmouth Abbey School encourages students to reach their potential in the classroom as well as on the squash court. It fosters a healthy respect for coaches, officials, opponents, and the game itself. Because squash demands both team stability and an individual commitment to hard, physical work, we train our athletes in both physical and mental aspects of the game. Practices are fast-paced and include many fitness, conditioning, and technical drills.

Our squash team competes with traditional New England Squash teams such as Tabor Academy, St. George's, Milton, Noble and Greenough, and Concord Academy. Each year the team participates in the two-day New England Championship Tournament. Squash players compete in our Squash & Fitness facility with eight international courts and a comprehensive fitness facility for conditioning.

Head Coach: Wayne Turner

Coach Wayne Turner has a full season of coaching squash under his belt, as well as six seasons of coaching boys' tennis. The squash team captured Eastern Independent League Championships in 2015, 2016, and 2017. In 2014 and 2013 the team finished in second place in league play, falling in their last match of each season. The Ravens' overall league record is 40 wins with just four losses. The 2017 team was represented by eight Sixth Form student-athletes who competed for a third consecutive championship in their last year at Portsmouth Abbey.

Prior to joining Portsmouth Abbey, Coach Turner worked with programs at several Rhode Island schools, including Providence College, where his team captured a New England Championship in 2004. Turner is also the Director of Professional Coaching Certification in New England with the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA). He has been named Tester of the Year four times since 2000. In addition to playing intercollegiate tennis, Coach Turner has represented New England nationally at the 5.0 level in USTA competition and has privately coached R.I. State High School Champions in both singles and doubles. Coach Turner resides in Jamestown, RI.

boys squash - junior varsity
Junior varsity teams at Portsmouth Abbey strive to achieve excellence on and off the field. Our program offers students the opportunity to develop the skills necessary for continued growth and success within a chosen sport, preparing student-athletes to move on to the varsity level.

Coed Squash - Junior Varsity B
The Junior Varsity B-squad focuses on development. Teaching the fundamentals of squash, as well as a well-rounded appreciation for the game, this squad is a coed program. As a developmental squad, the team is not focused on competition, but it is the perfect fit for beginners looking to build some familiarity with the sport, players easing their way back from injury or even seasoned players looking to strengthen their fundamentals. Coaches: Roberto Guerenabarrena and Margaret Sheppard ‘06

Coed Squash - Junior Varsity B

The Junior Varsity B-squad focuses on development. Teaching the fundamentals of squash, as well as a well-rounded appreciation for the game, this squad is a coed program. As a developmental squad, the team is not focused on competition, but it is the perfect fit for beginners looking to build some familiarity with the sport, players easing their way back from injury or even seasoned players looking to strengthen their fundamentals.

Coaches: Roberto Guerenabarrena and Margaret Sheppard ‘06

winter sports

Portsmouth Abbey School

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