Paul Mantegani has been awarded the 2021 M.D. Nadal Sportsmanship Award, awarded annually to Founders League coaches who “play by the rules, accept victory or defeat graciously, and respect all who assemble and participate.”

Throughout 40 years at Kent School, Mantegani embraced his role as a teacher, coach, and advisor to Kent’s students and athletes. During his time at Kent, he served as both head and assistant coach for Boys Varsity Hockey, assistant coach for Boys JV Hockey, and assistant coach for Boys Varsity Lacrosse. Aside from coaching, he has spent countless hours at Nadal Rink sharpening skates, cleaning lockers, and performing countless other tasks he takes on with no expectation of recognition.

In addition to his impressive coaching career, Mantegani has chaired the History Department, served as an advisor, performed dorm, evening, and weekend duties, and added his expertise to numerous academic committees. Due to his combination of work ethic, passion, coaching excellence, and mentorship, Mantegani deservedly joins Cy Theobald and Don Gowan as the only Kent School faculty to win this prestigious award.

The Nadal Award was established in 1969 to honor Manuel D. “Bill” Nadal, an outstanding athlete, coach, and steadfast supporter of athletics at Kent School.