Gilman School is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Abel "Mickey" Watson to the position of head varsity soccer coach in the Upper School, where he will also provide academic support and fitness and weightlifting instruction. Coach Watson brings a wealth of experience with more than eight years of coaching and leadership experience in independent schools and youth leagues.

Coach Watson's coaching résumé includes time at The Phelps School and Episcopal Academy in Pennsylvania, as well as nearby Friends School of Baltimore and the NCAA D1 Patriot League's management committee. Drawing on his experience as a successful D1 student-athlete at Loyola University Maryland and Syracuse University, Coach Watson has excelled at working with students and families during the student-athlete recruitment stage, domestically and internationally, as well as advising them during the college recruitment process.

Coach Watson has spent the past five years as the head boys' soccer coach of Radnor Soccer Club in Pennsylvania, where he has become a beloved mentor for U18, U14, and U13 players and their families. He also began his own coaching business, Ambitious Motivated Winners (AMW), in 2021, designing innovative speed, strength, and agility programs for All-Americans and collegiate-level soccer, lacrosse, and football athletes.

"My top priority for our student-athletes is ensuring that the Gilman Five — Honor, Integrity, Respect, Humility, and Excellence — are consistently demonstrated in all aspects of their lives, and to assist with their development as a whole person: mind, body, and spirit," shared Coach Watson in a letter to the Gilman community. "Ultimately, my goal is twofold: to help our student-athletes reach the collegiate level and to win the MIAA Championship. For those aspiring to play at the next level, I am committed to doing everything I can to assist in that process — from working closely with our college counselors to personally reaching out to college coaches on their behalf. As for the MIAA, I firmly believe that if we take care of the little things, excellence will follow naturally."

Players will meet with Coach Watson in the coming days, and families will have opportunities to meet with him throughout the spring and summer.

Welcome, Coach Watson!