Head of Athletics

Lou Candel

There are very few things that bring Lou Candel more joy than watching the Poly Prep student-athletes compete and shine on the fields, courts, and track. It is the culmination of countless hours of hard work both in practices and in the weight room. High performance and teamwork is something we cultivate each and every day. Today, Poly is synonymous with “excellence in athletics.”  

As head of athletics, Candel provides leadership on both the macro and micro levels that emphasize character development, student wellness, as well as inclusivity to make sure that all Poly athletes have a positive and memorable experience when they wear the blue and gray. “Ten, 20 or even 30 years from now, we want our students to look back and say to themselves, ‘Hey, I had a great time playing sports at Poly…’  We love hearing from alumni about the life lessons and major impact that their time on our teams and working with our coaches has had on their lives. In addition, we are equally committed to providing an enjoyable, positive experience for non-competitive students in our Physical Education and Athletics program. Teaching young people about  the importance of lifelong fitness and healthy habits including nutrition are key goals of our program.”

Candel, who graduated with a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Amherst College and was a USA Lacrosse All-American, learned the importance of teamwork, discipline and resilience as a two-sport college athlete (basketball) and as the son of a Hall of Fame college coach. After a 25-year career as a trader on Wall Street, he pivoted to the family business of teaching and coaching. Since 2018, he has been the head coach of Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse.