LYNN — KIPP has seen a lot of things the past year. From a Super Bowl, to a few state tournaments, and to new relationships, Athletic Director Anthony Grimaldi says there’s a new energy flowing through the school’s hallways.
Teams going further into the postseason than ever before is a plus, but it’s more than that according to Grimaldi.
“The kids walk through the hall and you can see how happy they are, how positive they are,” Grimaldi said. “The type of feeling and energy has been contagious around our school… We’re just going to try and keep that with everything we do.”
It all starts with seeing each other succeed, according to Grimaldi. Look no further than when the football team advanced to the Division 8 Super Bowl last December.
“You see the success of one program, other programs emulate it. You want to be in that same position,” Grimaldi said. “Boys soccer had a great run this season with the playoffs, and boys basketball also went on an excellent run. We’re just really proud of everyone in our program.”
Another key to KIPP’s success: connectedness. Whether it’s coaches Moody Bey and James Rabbitt exchanging applause on Twitter, or Grimaldi high-fiving players before a game, the Panthers roll in the same pack.
“A lot of our coaches will collaborate. You have a lot of cross-sectional athletes who play multiple sports. We want to make sure everyone’s on the same page,” Grimaldi said. “The student-athlete is the whole person.”
Grimaldi elaborated on communication between his coaches, adding there’s no success without it.
“What are you doing in practice, what are you doing with the kids?” Grimaldi said. “Keeping that line of communication open is important because we’re all here for the same reason. We’re here for the kids.”
Back to Grimaldi high-fiving players and saying “let’s go” prior to games – when asked about his excitement, it’s simple: he’s a fan.
“I love being a part of this athletic program. The kids are amazing [and] they make what I do very easy,” Grimaldi said. “Seeing them at their best, in terms of playing in a game, and seeing them in moments of adversity is one of the coolest parts of my job. The kids are just so amazing.”
Speaking of amazing, Grimaldi said he was impressed with the girls volleyball team last season.
“This is the first time they’ve made the MIAA playoffs,” Grimaldi said. “They’ve worked hard… The coaches, Sarah Griffin and Jacob Roman, are building that program.”
There are times throughout the year when Lynn athletic directors coordinate. Adding he has a great relationship with all of them, Grimaldi said the group “has each other’s backs.”
“The other schools are amazing: English, Classical, St. Mary’s, and Lynn Tech. All the ADs work together,” Grimaldi said. “Lynn is a big city, but in terms of resources, we all share.”
They’re rivals in some ways, but not others, as Grimaldi says Lynn athletic directors root for each other in state tournaments.
“It’s all about Lynn at the end of the day,” Grimaldi said. “It’s such a historic city and we’re happy to be a part of it.”
And, for now, Grimaldi says the cross country, football, girls volleyball, as well as boys and girls soccer teams are putting in work for the fans – who get to watch the Panthers in just a few short months.
“I’m really excited to see them go out there and compete, and get after it,” Grimaldi said.
