portsmouth abbey news
Ravens Roundup: April 2026
L-R: Finn Gibbons '24, Charlie Townsend '24, Head Boys Lacrosse Coach Al Brown and Luca Sanders '24.
Senior Ravens signing off!
On April 23, five senior student-athletes officially declared their college commitments, marking a major milestone in their academic and athletic journeys. Surrounded by friends, family and supportive classmates, each student proudly donned apparel representing their future schools, symbolizing years of dedication and perseverance paying off.
For many athletes, the path to this day required balancing intensive training schedules with academic responsibilities, demonstrating discipline both on and off the fields. We’d like to thank the coaches, teachers and family members who have played key roles in guiding them along the way.
We take great pride in our thirteen graduating student-athletes, whose dedication, resilience and achievements have left a lasting mark on the Abbey community. Their commitment to excellence, both in competition and in the classroom, has set a powerful example for younger students, showing that hard work and determination can open doors to exciting opportunities at the collegiate level. We are deeply grateful for the energy and spirit they have brought to our program, as we look forward to all they will accomplish in the next chapter of their journeys.
The following Form VI student-athletes, Class of 2026, have committed to the following schools in their respective athletic program:
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Liam Caldwell - Lacrosse - Wesleyan University Zach Chatterton - Football - Franklin and Marshall Liam Daly - Lacrosse - University of Richmond |
Andrew Foley - Baseball - Coast Guard Academy Ethan Gerrior - Golf - Drew University Jack Hamilton - Lacrosse - St. Lawrence University |
Malcolm Maboula - Basketball - Salve Regina Justin Marques - Football - American International College Keynan Musingo - Track - Bryant University |
Megan O'Connor - Field Hockey - Smith College Chloe Shurr - Sailing - Naval Academy Lexi Torello - Cheerleading - Assumption College Alex Watson - Basketball - Brandeis University |
(L-R) Zach Chatterton '26, Justin Marques '26, Megan O'Connor '26, Lexi Torello '26 and Malcolm Maboula '26.
Closing a Legendary Era for Boys Varsity Lacrosse
After more than a quarter-century shaping one of New England’s most respected lacrosse programs, Al Brown has announced his retirement as head coach of the boys varsity lacrosse team at Portsmouth Abbey at the end of the season.
For 26 years, Brown has been the steady hand and driving force behind the program, building it into a perennial contender. Over the course of his remarkable career, he amassed more than 500 victories—an extraordinary milestone that reflects both sustained success and an unwavering commitment to his players and the game.
Brown’s impact reaches far beyond the winning column. Under his leadership, dozens of Portsmouth Abbey student-athletes have gone on to compete at the collegiate level, a testament to his ability to develop not only skilled lacrosse players but also confident and prepared young men. His emphasis on fundamentals, teamwork and character left a lasting impression on generations of athletes.
In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Brown was inducted into the National High School Lacrosse Hall of Fame—an honor reserved for those who have profoundly shaped the game. Yet those who know him best would point not only to his accolades, but to the relationships he built and the lives he influenced along the way.
“Coach Brown’s legacy is woven into the fabric of Portsmouth Abbey,” Chris Milmoe, director of Athletics, noted. “His passion for the game and dedication to his players set a standard that will endure long after his final whistle. The reason many families know about Portsmouth Abbey is because of Coach Brown.”
As he steps away from the sidelines, Brown leaves behind a program defined by excellence and a community grateful for his decades of leadership. His influence will continue to be felt in every player who takes the field, carrying forward the lessons he instilled.
Portsmouth Abbey has begun a nationwide search to find the next head coach of the boys varsity lacrosse team.
Above: Head Coach Al Brown.
Rewriting the Record Books
A standout season on the track has been defined by record-breaking performances and remarkable individual achievements from the Ravens.
Leading the way, the girls’ 4x400m team – Lindsey Baker, Bailey Fortin, Ava Niemiec and Daelynn Welshman – made history by setting a new school record with a time of 4:16.0. Their performance not only showcased exceptional teamwork and determination, but also ended a decades-long streak, surpassing a record that had stood since 1999. The moment marked a significant milestone for the program and reflected the group’s dedication throughout the season.
In the field events, Lexi Torello delivered an impressive personal best in pole vault, clearing 8 feet. Her achievement highlights both technical growth and persistence as she continues to push her limits and elevate her performance.
On the track, Lindsey Babine ’27 etched her name into the record books by breaking Allie Micheletti’s, Portsmouth Abbey alumna ’05 and AP Art History Teacher, long-standing school record in the women’s 800 meters. Babine’s accomplishment signals a promising future and underscores the strength of the program’s next generation of athletes.
Together, these performances represent more than just new records; they reflect the hard work, resilience and competitive spirit of the Track and Field team. As the season continues, these Ravens are not only raising the bar but also inspiring their teammates and leaving a lasting legacy for those who will follow.
Right: Allie Micheletti '05 and Lindsey Babine '27 celebrate the new track record.
Below, L-R: Daelynn Welshman '28, Ava Niemiec '28, Bailey Fortin '29 and Lindsey Baker '29 forming the girls 4x400m team.
Alumni Spotlight: Lucas Pagliarulo '22 selected as Saa Defensive player of the year 2026
The Southern Athletic Association (SAA) has recently released the 2026 Men's Lacrosse all-conference teams and major award winners, with Rhodes College senior and Portsmouth Abbey alumnus, Lucas Pagliarulo '22, earning the title of Defensive Athlete of the Year. His athletic prowess solidified the Rhodes Lynx as a conference-dominating, top-performing program.
As the three-year captain of the Men's Lacrosse Team at Rhodes, Pagliarulo set the tone for one of the conference's top defensive units. According to Rhodes College, Pagliarulo is more than well-deserving of the SAA honor, commanding his position as short-stick midfielder by "consistently [disrupting] opposing offenses," showcasing his versatility as a first-rate defender in addition to his reliability as an anchoring team leader.
While at Portsmouth Abbey, Lucas supported the Raven community as a student-leader on and off the field, serving as prefect in St. Leonard's House, a three-sport varsity athlete in Soccer, Basketball and Lacrosse and Captain of the Varsity Basketball team. Lucas exemplifies the values he cultivated at Portsmouth Abbey School - leadership, integrity and resilience. We take great pride in our alumni, whose commitment and achievements in athletics continue to inspire and strengthen our own Raven community.
Left: Lucas Pagliarulo '22, taken in spring 2022.
Coach Wayne Turner honored as the RSPA professional of the year 2026
Wayne Turner, Boys Varsity Tennis and Squash Head Coach, has been named the Racquet Sports Professionals Association’s (RSPA) New England Tennis Professional of the Year after a successful 2025 season that showcased his leadership and impact across multiple racquet sports.
Turner received the honor during the Association’s annual awards banquet this past weekend in North Hadley, Massachusetts. The RSPA recognizes professionals in tennis, pickleball, squash, racquetball and badminton throughout the region.
Among Turner’s biggest accomplishments this year was coaching the Portsmouth Abbey boys varsity squash team to the New England Championship despite entering the Independent School League tournament unseeded. The title added to Turner’s growing reputation as one of the area’s top racquet sports instructors and mentors.
In addition to his coaching success, Turner continues to expand community opportunities through his work with the Love Serving Autism chapter at Newport Pickleball Club. The program helps introduce individuals with autism to racquet sports in a supportive environment. Turner also contributes as an instructor with the North Kingstown Recreation Department.
Longtime member of the RSPA, Turner previously served on the organization’s regional board and was New England’s head tester from 2002 through 2018. He currently holds the designation of “elite professional,” one of the association’s highest honors.
Right: Head Coach Wayne Turner.