About Kent School

Kent School is an independent college preparatory boarding school serving grades 9-12 located in Kent, CT. We are guided by our motto — Simplicity of Life, Directness of Purpose, Self-Reliance — to educate our students intellectually, socially, ethically, and spiritually so that they will be prepared to contribute to the common good in the world beyond Kent School.

Kent School

Girls Cross Country

Each runner is supported in her pursuit of excellence and success as a member of Kent's Girls Cross Country program.

Self-discipline, perseverance, and the insatiable desire to improve are vital components of a successful life, and for a successful distance runner.

Skill Development & Teamwork

When one thinks of the sport of cross country, he or she may think of the loneliness of the long-distance runner, but cross country at Kent is most certainly not a solitary enterprise. The emphasis is on pack-running and teamwork, and the most successful teams from the past have been marked by runners who encourage and motivate their teammates.

Leadership & Character Development

Regardless of ability or experience, every runner is an important part of the team who has a responsibility to herself and her teammates to push beyond her comfort zone in workouts and on race days. In stepping outside this comfort zone, runners learn that they can run faster and achieve at a higher level than they may have initially thought possible. Additionally, pushing beyond one’s preconceived boundaries leads to greater confidence in meeting challenges both on and off the cross country course.

Coach Andrew Baird

Andrew Baird graduated from Brown University in 2002 and received his master’s in English Literature from Middlebury’s Bread Loaf School of English in 2009. He ran track and cross country for four years as a high school student in New Jersey, captaining the track team as a senior. Upon arriving at Brown, he walked on to the Brown Men’s Crew team and rowed for all four years of his undergraduate career. Still, cross country and track beckoned, and he returned to his first love as a coach in 2003. Ever since, he has had the pleasure of coaching running sports at the high school level.

Contact Coach Baird