Athletics
Teams
Vermont Academy Announces New Athletic Director and Welcomes Back Karen Henry
Vermont Academy is pleased to announce that Karen Henry has been named the school’s next Athletic Director, returning to campus after previously serving the community as both an educator and coach. A respected leader in independent school athletics, Henry brings more than 25 years of experience working with student-athletes across public and boarding school settings. Her return marks an exciting new chapter for athletics at Vermont Academy, as the school continues to strengthen programs that foster growth, teamwork, and healthy excellence.
A former Division I college athlete, Henry brings firsthand insight into high-level competition and a deep understanding of the role athletics play in shaping character, leadership, and academic success. Throughout her career, she has been known for building programs grounded in discipline, collaboration, and care for the whole student.
Throughout the interview process, colleagues were struck by Karen’s deep knowledge of Vermont Academy and the broader NEPSAC landscape, as well as her ability to communicate clearly and lead with confidence and care. Search committee members highlighted her “360-degree understanding of boarding school athletics,” noting both her experience building championship programs and her work supporting athletes at varying levels of competition. Others pointed to her collaborative leadership style and willingness to navigate difficult conversations thoughtfully—qualities that build trust with students, coaches, and families alike. Her energy, organizational skill, and commitment to strengthening opportunities for all student-athletes—particularly in the continued growth of girls’ athletics—stood out as defining aspects of her leadership.
As Athletic Director, Henry will oversee Vermont Academy’s athletic program across all seasons, supporting coaches and student-athletes while strengthening a culture where participation, competition, and personal growth go hand in hand. Her leadership will help ensure that athletics remain an essential part of the Vermont Academy experience and aligned with the school’s four pillars—Land, Community, Ingenuity, and Independence.
“Karen understands Vermont Academy deeply—its traditions, its people, and the transformative power of athletics in young people’s lives,” said Head of School Mike Peller. “She brings both a championship mindset and a deep commitment to student development. I am thrilled to welcome her back to campus and look forward to the leadership she will bring to this next era of VA athletics.”
During her earlier tenure at Vermont Academy, Henry coached multiple varsity programs and helped build a culture of sustained success. As varsity basketball coach, she led teams to four consecutive NEPSAC Class D championship appearances, winning the program’s first NEPSAC title in 2017 and again in 2021. As an assistant varsity soccer coach, she was part of two NEPSAC championship teams and received the Bob Harrington Coach of the Year Award in 2017.
Henry earned her B.A. from the University of Vermont and her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Boston College. She and her husband, Matt, have two daughters, including Sydney, a member of Vermont Academy’s Class of 2019.
Vermont Academy looks forward to welcoming Karen and her family back to Saxtons River and to the energy, experience, and care she will bring to the athletic life of the school at this pivotal moment in its history.
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Throughout the interview process, colleagues were struck by Karen’s deep knowledge of Vermont Academy and the broader NEPSAC landscape, as well as her ability to communicate clearly and lead with confidence and care. Search committee members highlighted her “360-degree understanding of boarding school athletics,” noting both her experience building championship programs and her work supporting athletes at varying levels of competition. Others pointed to her collaborative leadership style and willingness to navigate difficult conversations thoughtfully—qualities that build trust with students, coaches, and families alike. Her energy, organizational skill, and commitment to strengthening opportunities for all student-athletes—particularly in the continued growth of girls’ athletics—stood out as defining aspects of her leadership.
As Athletic Director, Henry will oversee Vermont Academy’s athletic program across all seasons, supporting coaches and student-athletes while strengthening a culture where participation, competition, and personal growth go hand in hand. Her leadership will help ensure that athletics remain an essential part of the Vermont Academy experience and aligned with the school’s four pillars—Land, Community, Ingenuity, and Independence.
“Karen understands Vermont Academy deeply—its traditions, its people, and the transformative power of athletics in young people’s lives,” said Head of School Mike Peller. “She brings both a championship mindset and a deep commitment to student development. I am thrilled to welcome her back to campus and look forward to the leadership she will bring to this next era of VA athletics.”
During her earlier tenure at Vermont Academy, Henry coached multiple varsity programs and helped build a culture of sustained success. As varsity basketball coach, she led teams to four consecutive NEPSAC Class D championship appearances, winning the program’s first NEPSAC title in 2017 and again in 2021. As an assistant varsity soccer coach, she was part of two NEPSAC championship teams and received the Bob Harrington Coach of the Year Award in 2017.
Henry earned her B.A. from the University of Vermont and her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Boston College. She and her husband, Matt, have two daughters, including Sydney, a member of Vermont Academy’s Class of 2019.
Vermont Academy looks forward to welcoming Karen and her family back to Saxtons River and to the energy, experience, and care she will bring to the athletic life of the school at this pivotal moment in its history.
Vermont Academy is a coed college preparatory boarding and day school in southern Vermont, serving grades 9-12 plus a postgraduate year.
