Thayer names Laura Wilson as head coach of girls cross country

Thayer Academy welcomes Laura Wilson as head coach of its girls cross country program. 

“I’m excited to have Laura take the reins,” said Athletic Director Bobbi Moran earlier this summer. “She brings tremendous passion and expertise. When I spoke with Laura about her plans for the future of Thayer cross country, she shared that she likes to keep expectations clear. She will look for student-athletes to improve their times while watching out for their mental health and well-being. I was impressed with Laura’s understanding of developing her student-athlete’s athletic ability in tandem with their confidence.”

Previously an assistant coach for the squad, Wilson said she’s grateful for the opportunity. 

“I’m excited to continue my career at Thayer as a head coach and work with these amazing student-athletes,” said Wilson. “I hope to cultivate a challenging but fun environment so they can excel on and off the course.” 

The new head coach said her goals for the program are to encourage student-athletes to support one another every day even as she continues to support them in their athletics, their academics, and their personal development. 

Originally from Marshfield, Wilson attended Marshfield High School where she was a member of both the cross country and track & field programs; she was a state qualifier in the 400-meter and 4x400-meter relay all four years. She continued her track & field career at DePaul University, part of the Big East and NCAA Division I. Wilson competed for four years, focusing on the 200-meter, 400m, and 4x400m events.

After graduation from DePaul, Wilson followed her passion and became a biology teacher in Boston Public Schools. She could not stay away from the track, though, and soon after started her coaching career at West Roxbury High School as an assistant coach of their track & field team. 

In the fall of 2018, Wilson joined the Thayer girls cross country coaching staff as an assistant to Jeff Browne P ‘04, ‘05. Browne, who has coached the program since 2011, helped the program earn three ISL championships and five NEPSAC championships during his tenure. Browne and Wilson, together, helped the team earn an ISL championship and a NEPSAC championship in 2019. 

"Laura is a great coach,” said Browne, whose coaching success in both cross country and track have earned him a place in the Thayer Sports Hall of Fame. “She understands the physical and psychological prep to be successful in cross country. She has a wonderful style, lots of humor and connective moments, and then when it's time to buckle down and work, her voice changes and she gives an ‘OK, LET'S GO!’ and everyone snaps to it and gets to work.” 

Browne, who added that Wilson’s strengths are inspiring student-athletes and helping them to set goals that are reasonable but challenging, offered his full vote of confidence. 

“After many years of coaching this team myself, I can't think of a better person to take over this great group,” he said. “I wish Laura and the team the best this fall.”

And Wilson can’t wait for that season to start. 

“I want my student-athletes to enjoy running and become lifelong runners,” she added. “I want them to embrace the sport and build lifelong friendships.”

Founded in 1877, Thayer Academy is a proud member of both the ISL and NEPSAC.