Boasting 54 teams at the varsity, junior varsity, and middle school level across 15 sports, Trinity’s athletic possibilities and success can be attributed in large part to the head of it all, Colin Sullivan. Two years ago, Sullivan stepped into the role of  Director of Athletics and Physical Education, bringing in a unique perspective and a wide array of expertise. Two years later, Trinity’s athletic program is arguably the strongest it has ever been. His work, exhibited through a thriving athletics program and paired with his positive, forward-thinking mindset, has left a lasting mark on the school community.

   Now, he prepares to take his career back to his roots in New England, leaving behind a legacy of growth and excellence.

   “It really came down to a personal decision,” Sullivan said. “I’m going to a boarding school, and both my wife and I will have the opportunity to live and work at the same school. It’s also a school that was in the conference that I competed in during high school, and that was over 40 years ago. It’s the New England Prep School Athletic Conference, so it’s an opportunity to work at a school and in a setting that I’m familiar with.”

   With a combination of supportiveness and a strong work ethic, Sullivan aims to be the best person he can be to students and coaches alike, leaving behind a positive impact on Trinity.

   “I would hope (to be described as) approachable, somebody who cares about them, cares about their success and is a strong advocate for them,” Sullivan said. “Whether it’s students or staff that I worked with, or coaches, in my case, I worked hard to provide them with resources and support to be successful.”

   He attributes these traits to the mentors he had in the past.

   “Those that have had the most profound impact on me have been (past) educators,” Sullivan said. “My father was a school teacher for over 40 years, so those that I (have) considered (the) strongest mentors have been in education.”

   As Sullivan makes the transition, he will continue doing what he did at Trinity at his new location, as the Director of Athletics and Afternoon Programs. 

   “Athletics is … (about) that co-curricular space, and … there’s a lot of valuable lessons that can be learned through athletics participation,” Sullivan said. “What excites me is to sort of go in and help steer that process and help create a culture that provides a successful student experience.” 

   With that, Sullivan leaves behind pertinent advice for new teachers or coaches just starting out on their journey.

   “There’s so many great people you’re going to have the opportunity to interact with,” Sullivan said. “Go in with an open mind, absorb as much information as you can and use it to chart your own path, but know that there’s a great team around you to help you be successful.”

While his work is not finished, Sullivan has faith in his team and colleagues and is proud of the work they have accomplished.

   “It’s very bittersweet,” Sullivan said. “Having only spent two years at Trinity, there’s a lot of unfinished work. I think we’ve made some good progress in trying to advance athletics and the student athlete experience, but that takes time. There is a tremendous team in place that is committed to our student athletes, and it’s in good hands.”

   Sullivan is proud of the relationships he has built along the way, as well as the growth he’s witnessed within the athletic department. As he looks ahead, he remains confident in the direction of the program and proud of the role he played in its progress.

   “It’s a place that I can view and consider these folks (my) family,” Sullivan said. “They welcomed and accepted me, and we developed a strong relationship, but with that said, whenever you leave a place, you want to leave it better than you inherited it. I haven’t been here that long, but I do think that … there’s a wonderful team in place … and hopefully we advance the program and take a couple of steps forward.”