Game Changers

Pulling Together for Crew

Gerry Cardinale P’25 loved watching his daughter, Gigi ’25, slice through the Merrimack River as a member of Andover crew. A lifelong rower himself, he and his family wanted to pay tribute to Gigi’s time at the Academy, making a multiyear leadership gift to the program and donating a boat trailer and two Hudson Ultimate SHARK Predator boats.

“Andover presented the greatest four years of growth for Gigi, and rowing took it up a notch,” says Cardinale. “I wanted to recognize her captaincy, help Andover win, and say thank you. My gift is about doing whatever I can to make sure other families can enjoy the same profound experience.”

A third boat was donated by Martin Klein P’95 in memory of his son, Allen Jamie Klein ’95. “Jamie loved his time as the school’s coxswain and always said if he ever had the money for it, he hoped to give a shell to Andover’s rowing program,” says Klein. “That stuck with me. I’m honored to do this.”

Additionally, a group of donors united to fund renovations to the William H. Brown 1934 Boathouse, including a security system and eco-friendly composite docks. Philanthropy for this priority continues, with $275,000 of the $350,000 goal tallied to date. Key contributors to the project will be acknowledged on a plaque in the boathouse.

Field of Dreams

Fundraising is also underway for a new outdoor athletics complex, to be located adjacent to Phelps Stadium. This premier development will feature two synthetic turf playing surfaces—one short pile to benefit field hockey and another lined for soccer—plus bleachers, lights, storage, restrooms, and a dedicated entryway. The project will address myriad important needs and raise the play of varsity and junior varsity competitors across the school’s program, says Athletic Director Lisa Joel.

“While we have been so appreciative in the last seven years for the attention to our indoor facilities—Snyder Center, Pan Athletic Center—the focus on our outdoor facilities is well past due. We are behind and now playing catch-up to our peer schools when it comes to quality outdoor surfaces,” she says.

Currently, varsity field hockey and varsity football share practice slots on the same field. “At times, we have 80-plus athletes practicing simultaneously in Phelps Stadium. It’s a significant challenge—one that shortens practice windows, complicates scheduling, and negatively affects student well-being, coaches’ practice plans, and team spirit,” says Joel. “Our field hockey team is truly one of our most successful programs, with many players moving on to the collegiate level. A new field, purpose-built for field hockey, will best prepare them for that. We should absolutely give our players this opportunity here at PA.”

Girls’ and boys’ lacrosse will also play on this surface, while the second field will provide critical space for Andover’s soccer program, with dimensions to match Smoyer Field. Both turfs will be built for multisport purposes, such as accommodating all-gender Ultimate Frisbee, according to Joel, who adds that the entire venue will afford flexibility in inclement weather and enable the Academy to host tournament play.

Joel notes that the complex offers investors a chance to make a crucial difference to PA’s athletic facilities while also burnishing the school’s tradition of excellence.

“To be able to place our athletes in a position where they have the greatest opportunities to thrive, with access to the best possible boats or playing surface or whatever is needed, is really the Andover way,” says Joel. “I’m deeply grateful for donations that let our players and coaches dream and lean into the future.”

To rally for this next chapter in PA athletics, please contact Acting Secretary of the Academy Nicole Cherubini.