Rivers Provides a Warm and Celebratory Welcome for New Director of Athletics

Red Wing spirit filled the air with the sun shining down on Davis and Baker Fields as both Girls’ and Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse competed. Rivers has a rich and strong athletic history that will be bolstered by Cannon’s leadership, solidifying a strong future for the athletic program. I’m so excited to join the Rivers community and get to work,” said Cannon. “In my visits to Rivers, I’ve met thoughtful, dedicated, creative, and passionate people from all corners of campus, and I look forward to learning with and from all of them to further elevate an outstanding athletics program at an extraordinary school.”

Cannon’s visit to Rivers included meetings with the members of the Athletics Department, as well as various members of the professional community. In between these meetings, she had the opportunity to eat lunch with a small group of current students (Grace O’Sullivan ’25, Jasmine McNish ’26, Rowan Daly ’26, Savannah Maldonado ’26, and Ray Gilkes ’26), who shared their thoughts and ideas, and brought Cannon up to speed on Rivers terminology. “Lunch with Kristin was a lot of fun,” said McNish, rising Girls’ Varsity Soccer captain. “[Cannon] was easy to talk to, and she understands what goes into being a student-athlete at a place like Rivers. She was also open to some of our ideas about how we can continue to grow and improve here. I’m looking forward to continuing to build our relationship next fall.”

Members of the athletics department were excited to meet with Cannon individually, as a precursor to her start in July. . “It was great getting to sit down with Kristin and share some of my experiences—ranging from my time as a student to my current role as a member of the professional community,” said Jacob Werrick ’16, assistant director of athletics. “We talked about the litany of strengths of our department and program, and also discussed some areas where we can adapt and evolve. I’m eager to work under her leadership to continue to build on the momentum and success of our athletics program.”

Susanna Donahue P’03,’06, who has been serving as interim director of athletics since the fall, will be a key player in facilitating Cannon’s transition to Rivers over the summer. “I was excited to have her on campus to meet with members of the Athletics Department, with our head of school, and our student athletes,” said Donahue. “Her attendance at a spring game day was great both for her and for the community. I’m excited to work with her this summer as she becomes the new director of athletics and to welcome her to our community.”