Avon Old Farms Strengthens Athletics Program with Trio of New Coaches

Avon Old Farms School is proud to announce the addition of three new varsity head coaches to its renowned athletics program. These talented leaders bring a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to the Winged Beavers community. As the school continues to uphold its tradition of excellence both in the classroom and on the field, these coaching appointments mark an exciting new chapter for student-athletes and fans alike.

Varsity Lacrosse: Taylor Pirie

Coach Pirie will join Avon from Millbrook School, where he serves as the head varsity lacrosse coach and was named New England West 2 Division Coach of the Year in 2024. Under his leadership, the team experienced remarkable growth, reflecting his dedication to player development, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Last year, the Millbrook Mustangs were New England West Division 2 regular season champions—the first time since 2012. Prior to his tenure at Millbrook, Coach Pirie spent seven years at Trinity-Pawling School as an assistant varsity lacrosse coach, where he earned the title of New England West Division 1 Assistant Coach of the Year in 2023.

A former collegiate athlete himself, Coach Pirie was a standout member of the Middlebury College varsity lacrosse team from 2012 to 2015. His lifelong commitment to the sport began at The Governor’s Academy, where he was an All-Independent School League (ISL) player, team captain, and recipient of the Coach’s Award. Originally from Hamilton, Massachusetts, Coach Pirie grew up in a family of educators. His father, a longtime lacrosse coach, played a significant role in shaping his love for the sport.

Coach Pirie is eager to work with our motivated athletes who want to get to the highest level of college lacrosse. He shares that he's excited to take the already-strong program and bring it to new heights.

Coach Pirie’s coaching philosophy is centered on fostering a culture of positive, competitive growth. His number one goal for the lacrosse program next year is to create an environment that players are proud to be a part of—one that is fun, positive, and builds upon the legacy of those who came before. Player development is a key focus, both in terms of individual skills and team cohesion.

In addition to his coaching accolades, Coach Pirie brings a holistic approach to student development that will fit right in at Avon Old Farms. In addition to coaching, he will serve as a teacher and dorm parent, further immersing himself in the Avon community.

Coach Pirie’s leadership on and off the field will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of Winged Beavers.

Varsity Hockey: Mark Naclerio'11

Mark Naclerio ’11 grew up in Milford, Connecticut, and was a four-year boy at Avon Old Farms. At Avon he was a member of the chorale all four years, was head monitor of Elephant 3 his senior year, and was a three-year member of the varsity hockey team, winning the New England Championship in 2010. He was a Yale Book Award winner and a member of the Order of Old Farms.

After graduation he matriculated to Brown University where he majored in business, entrepreneurship, and organizations and was a two-time captain on the men’s Division 1 hockey team. He went on to play hockey professionally for several years before eventually returning to AOF in the Spring of 2022.

"After my professional hockey career ended, I began working in a corporate job at NBC sports. Although I enjoyed the experience, it was clear to me that I was not fulfilled or passionate about the work I was doing. I decided to pursue a career in coaching to have a part in developing young men and help them pursue their dreams."

Luckily for Naclerio, an opportunity to do just that became available at the right place, at the right time. He joined Avon Old Farms as the associate director of admissions, as well as coach for the varsity hockey team he was once a part of. In the 2024-25 season, Mark served as interim head coach.

"I wanted to work at Avon Old Farms so I can give back to a place that gave me so much. It's a second home to me and it played an integral part of my development as a young boy and helped shape me into the man I am today."

Varsity Squash: Tom Keidel

Avon Old Farms School is pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas Keidel as the new squash director of the AOF Squash Club and head coach of the varsity squash team, effective immediately.

"We are thrilled to welcome Tom to the Avon Old Farms community," said Director of Athletics Geoff Barlow ’98. "His comprehensive background in squash coaching makes him an ideal fit for our program, and we are excited to have his energy and expertise on the AOF courts."

Keidel joins Avon Old Farms from Capitol Squash in Hartford, Connecticut, where he served as squash and operations manager. In this role, he oversaw the squash curriculum for students ages 10–18 throughout the Hartford area, delivering group instruction, private lessons, and tournament coaching.

A 2006 graduate of Tufts University, Keidel was captain of the men's squash team and was named a NESCAC Scholar-Athlete. His coaching background includes private squash instruction as well as leading high school squash programs at Bronxville School and Riverdale School.

Avon Old Farms looks forward to the continued growth and success of its squash program under Keidel's leadership.

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