Gould Academy has hired Rogan Connell as its new alpine director and head FIS coach for the Gould Academy Competition Program (GACP). Connell comes to Gould Academy from Bates College, where he served as head alpine coach for 15 years.

“I am very excited to have Coach Connell lead our alpine program,” said Kurt Simard, director of On-Snow Programs for the Gould Academy Competition Program. “Rogan brings extensive experience and excellent ability that will foster success for our student athletes.”

Gould Academy has a new emphasis on the FIS and USSA programming and its leadership structure for the upcoming season, in which Connell can offer expertise.

Twice named Eastern Intercollegiate Ski Association Co-Coach of the Year (2005 and 2013), Connell was responsible for planning all domestic and Canadian race and training opportunities for his athletes, and helped bring the 2009 NCAA Skiing Championships to Bates College. During his time at Bates, 17 of Connell’s athletes qualified a total of 34 times for the NCAA Championships. He also had students named to the USCSCA All-Academic Team and the NESCAC All-Academic Team. During his tenure, Connell worked with several Gould Academy alumni.

“I’m very excited to come to Gould and raise the level of the program from the FIS group right through the youngest kids in the weekend program,” said Connell. “Gould Academy is an excellent school and we have a tremendous partner in Sunday River. I plan to update our year round program to take greater advantage of the training opportunities at Sunday River as well as venues around the world so that we can bring our skiers to the highest levels of ski racing all while allowing our athletes to take advantage of the tremendous academic programming Gould offers.”

An active member of the on-snow community, Connell’s resume includes experience as director of skiing and head alpine coach for Saint Michael’s College, assistant head coach of alpine skiing at Ford Sayre Academy, and roles within the Eastern Intercollegiate Ski Association and USSA. He even boasts some prior Gould Academy experience having been a guest coach during a trip to Chile with GACP back in 2013.

A two-time letter winner at the University of New Hampshire, Connell’s own skiing ability helped propel his fellow Wildcat team to top-10 finishes at the 1992 and 1993 NCAA Championships.

“We’re thrilled to have Coach Connell join the Gould Academy community, and are excited to see his influence on our alpine program,” Gould Academy Head of School Matt Ruby said.

Release courtesy of Gould Academy