Lincoln Academy has three recently-selected coaches of the year: Melissa Burroughs is the Maine State Class B Girls Tennis Coach of the Year. Jeff Burroughs is the KVAC Class B boys soccer Coach of the Year, and Garrett Martin is the KVAC Class B Boays and Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year.
By Connor Parson ‘24
Special from the Talon
Lincoln Academy has had many strong athletic achievements in the past year. In 2022, Lincoln Academy had three coaches receive awards across the conference and state level.
Melissa Burroughs coached the Girls Tennis team in Spring of 2022. The Maine Principals Association awarded her the Maine Girls Tennis Coach of the Year award, a state level achievement.
Last season was her second year coaching at Lincoln Academy, and she worked to maintain the strong program that has preceded her. As tennis is a more individual sport than others, she was challenged to figure out how to maintain a team dynamic within an individualized setting. When she learned she won the award, it was a surprise to everyone, most of all her.
“Other coaches saw that I have passion,” Ms. Burroughs said when asked about receiving the award. In the off-season, Ms. Burroughs has and will continue to play tennis in other leagues. For the future, she is working to build up a new foundation of players to replace the strong senior class graduating this year. She added, “I’m really excited for next season. Each year I get less nervous.”
Jeffery Burroughs, in addition to being the Head of School at Lincoln Academy, was this year’s Boys Varsity soccer coach. He won the KVAC Coach of the year award for his accomplishments this season. Mr. Burroughs has coached for thirty years up until now, but he said this year was a challenge for him in a lot of ways. The team’s strong talent meant he had to put a lot of work in the technical aspects of his team. He also had to connect with his players and their families on a level he hadn’t had to before.
“It’s a really nice honor,” he said about receiving the award. He is very proud to have been recognized by the other KVAC coaches. While he is not committed to coaching again next year, he is very impressed with the program at Lincoln Academy and sees a bright future ahead for the players.
Garret Martin is the coach for the Boys and Girls Cross Country teams at Lincoln Academy. When asked, Martin said, “This award is a testament to our success as a team” and is proud to accept the award for Coach DeAngelis, Coach Burgess, and the LAXC program. He is very proud of both teams winning the KVAC championships and the girls team placing second at states this year, as well as both teams winning the sportsmanship award. Coach Martin is happy with all the work his team has put into this year, and is always welcoming new members.
Athletic director for Lincoln Academy, KJ Anastasio said that LA is very fortunate to have its group of dedicated coaches. “We are always thrilled when our coaches are recognized and selected as Coach of the Year.” He is proud of all the effort the coaching staff has put into their athletes. He added, “This fall was an amazing sports season and one that is for the record books.”
Connor Parson is a junior and member of the Cross Country team and would like to congratulate the coaches on their success. This article was originally printed in the Talon, Lincoln Academy’s student newspaper, which is published about eight times a year. See online versions of past editions at this link.
