Athletics

October 17, 2025

Why did I choose to return to MPA to coach?

I chose to return to MPA as a coach for so many reasons. First, the coaches I had in high school left a huge impact on me. Dan Ethier and Bev Docherty. It makes a huge difference to have coaches who believe in you, who value you as a student, an athlete, and as a multi-dimensional person outside of MPA, but still push you to be your very best when you compete.

This is what I was blessed to have in them, and I wanted to pay that forward and be a cheerleader and supporter in other people’s lives. Second, I love working with young people. At the time, I had a job without a lot of social interaction, AND there was a pandemic which really restricted the new relationships we formed—I found the team SO energizing to work with. I think for all of us, the ski team (both the camaraderie and the training regimen) became a real source of uplift every day. Relatedly, I love a challenge! Learning to ski is hard, and so is teaching it.

What does it mean to me to mentor the next generation of student athletes?

To mentor the next generation of athletes feels like the least I could do—my own experience as a Panther athlete left such a significant impact on me. I felt honored to endeavor to bring about personal growth, facilitate friendship, and help students hone their abilities. Read More

September 9, 2025

Launched in 2023 to celebrate MPA’s rich athletic tradition, MPA is proud to announce the 2025 Hall of Fame inductees: David McGaha, longtime coach and mentor; Lauren LaRoche ’99, alum athlete; and Olivia (Lansing) Herrick ’06, alum athlete. Please take a moment to read about Olivia (Lansing) Herrick ’06!

What was your greatest accomplishment during your time as an athlete at MPA?
Technically, it was probably getting runner-up at the state tournament, but I would argue that seeing the girls on my golf teams make it to state was even more rewarding.

What is your happiest memory of your time at MPA?
I have so many positive memories of my time at MPA—I remember the thrill of two-a-day soccer practices in August. Running sprints to the fence at the track. I truly don’t have a lot of memories of wins—or losses—but I remember the feeling of working towards something together, as a group. I remember the way the soccer field felt in the fall or the Kreischer Gym felt in the winter. I remember bus rides and laughter and the pure elation (and heartbreak) that only sports can capture.

When you look back on your time at MPA, what is one thing you would change or do differently?
I appreciated my time at MPA in the moment and recognize how lucky I was, but I wish I had just sat in that a bit more. And, I may have swapped in cross-country skiing for a winter sport in my last two years now that I enjoy it a lot as an adult.

How did your time at MPA shape your future?
MPA had an incredible impact on my future by setting me up for success in life, not even necessarily academically, but just as a steward of the world and someone who seeks to understand others. MPA athletics taught me the value of teamwork, respect, delayed gratification, and the discipline of showing up and giving your all with no promise of success— all of which have served me well in life. Read More

September 9, 2025

Launched in 2023 to celebrate MPA’s rich athletic tradition, MPA is proud to announce the 2025 Hall of Fame inductees: David McGaha, longtime coach and mentor; Lauren LaRoche ’99, alum athlete; and Olivia (Lansing) Herrick ’06, alum athlete. Please take a moment to read about Lauren LaRoche ’99!

What was your greatest accomplishment during your time as an athlete at MPA?
My most significant athletic achievements throughout my years at MPA in cross country and track and field include winning the 400-meter dash at the state track & field meet in 1996 as a wide-eyed, eager freshman.

When you look back on your time at MPA, what is one thing you would change or do differently?
Not a single thing. While I excelled in athletics, MPA provided me with many opportunities to be a well-rounded student, pushing me outside my comfort zone and instilling the confidence and belief that I could achieve anything.

In what ways did the school support you during your time at MPA?
MPA focuses on each student and unconditionally supports them during their formative years. The school fosters a culture of safety and opportunity, promoting individualism while demonstrating the importance of collaboration. During my time at MPA, I always felt the teachers and staff only wanted the best for me, encouraging me to voice my opinions and push boundaries. When a student graduates from MPA, it’s these attributes they carry with them that are woven throughout the rest of their lives. Read More

September 9, 2025

Launched in 2023 to celebrate MPA’s rich athletic tradition, MPA is proud to announce the 2025 Hall of Fame inductees: David McGaha, longtime coach and mentor; Lauren LaRoche ’99, alum athlete; and Olivia (Lansing) Herrick ’06, alum athlete. Please take a moment to read about David McGaha!

How did your time at MPA shape your future?
I was fortunate to apply and land in what was then a new private school in 1983, the second year of MPA’s existence. I knew from seventh grade what I wanted to do when I grew up. Bob and Lois Kreischer had a vision of what a school should be. Now retired, I have so many fond memories of the faculty and of the many students that I was able to work with. Again, I was fortunate to be a part of such a wonderful school.

What is one piece of advice that you would share with MPA athletes?
As a young athlete, you have one opportunity to be the best that you can be. Once you graduate from high school—knowing that you committed yourself to getting the most out of your abilities in your chosen sport or sports—you will move on with an inner satisfaction you never lacked in effort. You control your effort and commitment.

In what ways did the school support you during your time at MPA?
One of the reasons that MPA is such a successful school stems from the freedom that teachers and coaches have to teach and guide students in what they believe to be the right direction. I always felt supported by the administration. Coming to school each year, each day, I visualized what I wanted my classes and teams to accomplish. I always felt that the administration appreciated my efforts. It was challenging and not always easy, but it resulted in a very rewarding career. Read More