Schools
NAHS Announces New Lacrosse Coach
Ryan Connolly (NAHS Class of 2001) was recently named the boys varsity coach.
The following was submitted by North Andover High School Athletic Director Jon Longley.
North Andover High School has hired Ryan Connolly as it's new boys lacrosse coach. Ryan has an impressive background as both a player and a coach of boys lacrosse. Ryan is a graduate of North Andover High School class of 2001. Ryan captained the lacrosse team his junior and senior seasons leading the 2000 team to the D2 EMass championship game. Ryan finished his career with 301 points and was selected as an All American by US Lacrosse in 2001.
Find out what's happening in North Andoverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
After graduation Ryan chose UMass Amherst to continue his education and his lacrosse career. Ryan was known as a tough player with a great attitude. Mr. Connolly was a member of the NEILA Scholar-Athlete Team earning a GPA over 3.0 or higher his senior year. Ryan finished his career at UMass with 29 goals and 10 assists participating in over 50 games while becoming a starter his senior season.
Ryan went on to become a graduate assistant at Amherst College in 2006 before returning to North Andover High School as a history teacher and assistant lacrosse coach. Ryan has spent the past six season as an assistant coach and offensive coordinator working under his father Steve Connolly whom he is replacing upon Steve's retirement.
Find out what's happening in North Andoverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Steve Connolly known to many as the "father of lacrosse" in Massachusetts has retired as boys lacrosse coach at North Andover High School. Steve enjoyed a long and successful career as a high school and college lacrosse coach. Steve's career began as an assistant coach at Michigan State in 1970. Steve's career continued and included stints at Billerica High School, UMass Lowell and North Andover High School. Steve's career totals are as follows:
School Years Wins-Losses Billerica High School 1976-1981 73-34 UMass Lowell 1982-1987 56-25 Billerica High School 1991-1998 106-48 North Andover High School 1999-2011 190-85Compiled record: 425-192
Steve's legacy is not one that just includes wins and losses. Steve was an educator and an advocate for all students he coached or taught during his long career as an educator.
Steve's career flourished at North Andover where he coached both of his son's Ryan 01 and Jimmy 05 to All American status. Steve led North Andover to five Cape Ann League championships and an appearance in the 2000 EMass D2 championship game. Steve also graduated from UMass Amherst where participated on the mens lacrosse team captaining the 1969 team that went undefeated.
