Adam White Receives National Coaching Award

On Tuesday, May 24, the extended St. Sebastian’s lacrosse family gathered to honor Coach Adam White, this year’s recipient of USA Lacrosse’s Gerald Carroll Jr. Exemplary Coach Award. 

Measuring the success of a coach not in victories but in the care and guidance given to the development of young men who play the game.

The Gerald J. Carroll, Jr. Exemplary Coaching Award, established in memory of Gerry Carroll, is given annually to one boys' high school coach nationwide who reflects the attributes of the award's namesake. Coach Carroll spent a good part of his brief 46 years playing, watching, and coaching lacrosse. Greater than his love for the sport, however, was his commitment to give back to young people some of the lifetime of lessons he himself took from the game. Winners of the Carroll Award demonstrate support and care for players in their growth and development as young adults and leaders on and off the playing field. 

Athletic Director David Hinman shared remarks from Mr. Carroll’s son, Brian, who serves on the award committee. Peter Pickard ’18 spoke on behalf of all players expressing his admiration for Coach White’s impact on his own life and the role he has played in so many young athletes’ lives. Headmaster Burke presented Coach White with a USA Lacrosse plaque and highlighted Adam’s role as teacher, coach, mentor and now published author (his novel, The Midcoast, will be released by Penguin Random House on June 7th).

"I’m honored to win the Gerry Carroll award,” Coach White says, "and I’m proud to accept it on behalf of the whole Seb’s community. We have an amazing coaching staff, and we all love working with our players because our players love going to Seb’s and playing lacrosse here.”

He also mentioned that he’s been able to learn a little about Coach Carroll, who was more than just a coach—also an English teacher and a writer like Adam. “He sounds like an incredible mentor,” Coach White says. "To be a part of remembering his legacy is a tremendous honor."

In addition to winning two ISL championships during Coach White's time as head coach, the team has consistently been nationally ranked and made the semi-finals of the Geico National Tournament on ESPN. He’s the co-founder of the Gameday Nutrition program, a project designed with the Tufts School of Nutrition that trains St. Sebastian’s seniors to present to Harlem Lacrosse middle schoolers on the benefits of healthy eating. He’s also the architect behind the ISL playoff format. As an English teacher, he’s most proud of bringing a new class to Seb’s: AP Creative Writing. 

Over 50 alumni and parents returned to support Coach White with alumni competing in the annual Alumni-Varsity Scrimmage after the award ceremony. In true St. Sebastian’s family spirit, the group included seven combinations of brothers who have all played St. Sebastian’s lacrosse: Tommy ’21 and Paul ’25 Armstrong; Jake ‘21 and Griffin ’22 Cusack; John ’19 and Ryan ’25 Farley; Will ‘19, Jack ‘17, Sam ‘21, Ben ’22, and Tedy ’26 Frisoli; Craig ’00 and David ‘00 Healy; Nick ’21 and Chris ’24 Merageas; and Mike ‘19 and Matt ’23 Swirbalus.

Congratulations Coach White on a well-deserved honor!