Governor's Teams
Athletics at The Governor’s Academy is about outstanding performance- as our championship titles, college NCAA scholarship players, and world competitors will attest- but it is also about character.
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Team Profile
Lacrosse - Boys Varsity
ISL Tournament Championships:
2023 ISL Runner Up
2022 ISL Runner Up
2018 ISL Co-Champions
2015 ISL Champions
2012 ISL Champions
2011 ISL Champions
2009 ISL Champions
2008 ISL Champions
2007 ISL Champions
2006 ISL Champions
ISL League Champions:
2006 ISL Tri-Champions
2011 ISL Champions – Undefeated Season
2012 ISL Tri-Champions
2015 ISL Co-Champions
2018 ISL Co-Champions
Standing behind the philosophy of “We, Not Me,” the Governor’s Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team takes pride in their past and looks to build a strong future. Coaches encourage players to reflect on each season of progress in the hopes of leaving the program in a better place than where they found it. Players hold each other accountable and recognize the importance of the little things—being proud of their locker room space, sharing team duties, or celebrating goals scored. Team leadership is based on how individuals handle themselves in the classroom, social settings, and in the greater community with an emphasis placed on character and discipline. Players capitalize on the opportunity to enhance their individual strengths – whether that be footwork, shooting, stick skills, or speed–to make the team 1% better every day.
A 100 x 120-yard all-weather turf, the Alfond Class of 1967 Turf Field provides an outstanding venue for both games and practices. The team’s newly renovated locker room offers ample space for pre-game preparation, film review, and team meetings. Athletes also utilize the Alfond Fitness Center & Weight Room and Pescosolido Field House for lifting, speed training, and out-of-season stick skills practice. Staffed by two full-time athletic trainers, the sports medicine facility provides personalized attention and rehabilitation for those who need attention to injuries.
Governor’s maintains its place among the top boys lacrosse programs in New England and in the nation. Governor's is one of sixteen programs in the highly competitive Independent School League (ISL), with the majority of ISL rosters featuring college-committed players. March Break sets the tone for the competition season as the boys arrive back in Byfield before their classmates to engage in training sessions, team-building exercises, and local scrimmages. In addition to fifteen league games, the team competes against high-caliber non-league competitors such as Avon Old Farms, The Hill Academy, IMG, and Phillips Exeter Academy as their schedule permits.
The Tabor-Governor’s Challenge Cup and the Herter-Bidstrup Cup are two hallmark and highly competitive games each spring against Tabor Academy and Middlesex School. Govs also participates in the “4 A Cause” event—small-sided, gloves-only games—with St. John’s Prep, Pingree, and Holderness to support cancer research at Dana Farber in early April. Later in the spring, the Governor’s Boys and Girls Varsity Lacrosse teams come together for a “One Love” weekend event of games and fundraisers to promote healthy relationships.
Seven Governor’s lacrosse players have been named ISL MVP, and fourteen have been named All-American. Dozens of players have committed to NCAA lacrosse programs with representation across every major conference including the ACC, Big East, Ivy, Patriot, and NESCAC. Eleven alums have won NCAA National Lacrosse Championships, and three alums, JJ Morrissey ’02, Martin Cahill ’06, and Remington Pope '10, have competed professionally in the Major Lacrosse League.
For more information please reach out to Head Coach Tucker Sampson.
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Alumni in Action
Huck Trafton ‘23 - Bowdoin College
Owen Umansky ‘23 - Harvard University
Ben Baroni '22 - Villanova
Holden Kuznair '22 - UMass Boston
Ian Olenik '22 - Providence College
Brian Barlotta ‘20 - Mercer University
Nick Ingemi ‘20 - Connecticut College
Todd Kennedy ‘20 - Georgetown University
Nate Laliberte '20 - Bryant University
Shane O’Leary ‘20 - University of Massachusetts Amherst
CJ Baroni ‘19 - Bucknell University
Luke Moriarty ‘19 - Princeton University
Tim Roberts ‘19 - University of Vermont
Jack Wood ‘19 - Brown University
Kyle Gaffey ‘19 - Rochester Institute of Technology
Zadoc White ‘19 - St. Lawrence University
Sam Winneg ‘19 - Connecticut College
Zachary Ludd ‘18 - Ohio State University
HOME GAMES ARE Live Streamed: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwx8PO5c7NBhO7Kmp5JlBtA
Coaches
Coach Profiles
Head Coach: Tucker Sampson
A three-sport athlete at Yarmouth High School, Tucker Sampson appreciates the versatility offered by Governor’s athletics. His grandfather graduated from the Academy in 1943, and Sampson is proud to be at the helm of such a storied program. He played lacrosse at Nazareth College, winning an Empire 8 Championship, qualifying for the NCAA tournaments twice, and captaining the team in his senior year. Following graduation, Sampson coached at Phillips Andover Academy for five years and co-founded the New England Twisters club lacrosse team. Drawn to the emphasis on community and the homey feel of the campus, Sampson arrived at Govs in 2017 and became head coach in 2021. A strong proponent of team culture, Sampson enjoys seeing his athletes connect off the field by organizing team BBQs, pickleball tournaments, and go-kart racing.
Assistant Coach: Tom Woessner
A starting midfielder and captain for the Camels, Tom Woessner received his BA from Connecticut College before moving to Byfield. Inspired by his uncle, the Head of School at The Williams School, Woessner was eager to pursue a career in independent school education and was drawn to Govs’ committed faculty and driven students. His favorite part of coaching is the opportunity to work with Governor’s student-athletes outside of the classroom and dorm to build stronger connections. In addition to his role supporting boys’ varsity lacrosse, Woessner teaches English and American Studies and coaches Boys JV Ice Hockey. He enjoys spending time with his one-eyed chocolate lab, fly fishing across the North Shore, and visiting his family in Connecticut.