By Katie Morrison
LYNN — Lynn English added two new coaches to its athletic program Thursday, athletic director Dick Newton announced.
MacKenzie Charles will take over at the helm of the girls basketball program, while Stephanie McClelland will step in as cheerleading coach.
“We’re very happy to have them on board,” said Newton.
Charles replaces Rachael Bradley, who coached girls basketball at English for two years. A youthful Bulldogs team finished 5-15 under Bradley last season.
Charles was an assistant coach at Lynn Tech for 10 years under Marvin Avery, one of the school’s most successful coaches. He is also the director of the Antonio Anderson Skills Academy, alongside Antonio Anderson. Charles also spent time as an assistant football coach at Mount Ida College, and four years coaching the Massachusetts Thundercats girls AAU basketball team.
Newton said that Charles has a “great passion for basketball.”
“I’m happy he showed such a strong interest,” added Newton. “He’s a really good guy with a great personality, and I feel that the girls will gravitate to him.”
The Lynn Tech graduate is no stranger to the Bulldogs squad, coaching some of the players on the roster through the Thundercats and basketball camps. He says that he appreciates the work that Bradley put into the program.
“I want to continue that and take it to the next level,” he said. “One thing I can tell you is that we’re going to work hard and play defense. Those were values that were instilled in me as a player.”
Charles says he also wants to emphasize building a community within the school, noting it’s important to get staff, faculty and students involved.
“We’re going to be good student-athletes and represent the school in the most positive way,” he said.
Having spent so much time around successful coaches, Charles has learned from some of the best.
“I’ve learned so much, some core values to live by from coaches like Marvin Avery and (former English girls basketball coach) Fred Hogan,” said Charles. “I learned how hard you have to work to be successful.
“I’m blessed to have worked with a lot of great coaches, like (Tech football coach) James Runner, (St. Mary’s principal and former Tech hoops coach) Jim Ridley. I’ve gained a lot of experience and I’m blessed to be able to pass that along to these young ladies. It’ll be fun. I want to thank (English principal) Mr. (Thomas) Strangie and Mr. Newton for this opportunity, I’m very grateful.”
Charles also said that he owes a lot to Lynn’s Rob Smith, Mount Ida football coach Mike Landers, as well as his brother, MacKenson Charles, who he says has been a huge part of his success, and who will “have a big role” in developing the Bulldogs.
McClelland comes to English “highly recommended,” according to Newton, and with an impressive resume. McClelland is currently the vice president of the Lynn Chargers Youth Football and Cheerleading program, and coach of the senior level three North Shore Elite All-Stars out of Beverly. She also spent one season as the coach at her alma mater, Lynn Classical.
“She’s an extremely hard worker and a disciplinarian,” said Newton. “She’s on the advanced side of cheerleading.”
McClelland takes the reins from Christine Galvez, and says that she’s excited to join a program with a solid foundation.
“The program has been under the same direction for quite a while,” she said. “They’ve done well, and I want to strengthen the foundation, apply my knowledge, skill set and experience.”
One of McClelland’s main objectives is to grow the already-popular program, and possibly add a JV program as well.
“Some girls actually choose English over Classical because they’re excited about the cheer program,” said McClelland. “There’s a lot of interest and talent. It’s a rocket ship, and I want to help it take off.”
She says that the team has welcomed her, even though the squad was organized by the previous coach.
“They’re a little hesitant, but open and welcoming,” said McClelland. “I’m a stern coach, and I told them I’m happy for their accomplishments, but this is my style, so hop on the train or hop off.”
The former Ram will have to trade in her green and gold for maroon and grey, which will, of course, be an adjustment.
“I’ll be wearing maroon and grey on the outside, but I might have to keep a Classical shirt on underneath,” she joked. “But either way, I’m happy for both teams.”
