Dr. Kristin Cannon Named New Director of Athletics at The Rivers School
Head of School Ryan S. Dahlem announced this week that, following a national search that drew a robust pool of more than 100 candidates from across the country, Dr. Kristin Cannon has been named director of athletics at The Rivers School, effective July 1, 2025. Cannon, a distinguished leader in athletics, brings experience, passion, and a deep commitment to fostering excellence in student-athletes at both collegiate and independent school levels. In this role, Cannon will provide strategic and administrative leadership to Rivers’ highly successful athletics program and serve as a key member of the administrative team, partnering with colleagues across campus to bring to life the school’s educational philosophy of Excellence with Humanity.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kristin to The Rivers School community,” said Head of School Ryan S. Dahlem. “Her extensive experience in athletics leadership, coaching, teaching, and passion for fostering the success of student-athletes made her the unanimous choice for guiding Rivers’ athletics program into its next chapter of success.”
Cannon possesses an impressive background in athletic administration and coaching, having led in a variety of roles where she made a lasting impact on athletic programs, team performance, and student development. She previously served as the athletic director/chair of physical education and head girls' soccer coach at Poly Prep Country Day School, an N-12 day school with more than 1,100 students, located in Brooklyn, N.Y. During her tenure, the program boasted 27 League Championships and 20 State Championships with 13 All-Americans and one Olympian. As head coach of girls’ soccer, her teams won two NYSAIS Championships, with one All-American and four All-Region players.
Cannon also has extensive experience in higher education, holding coaching and administrative positions at Division I, II, and III institutions including Xavier University, University of Cincinnati, Johnson State College, LIU-Brooklyn, and Springfield College, where she currently serves as assistant professor and head women’s soccer coach.
Cannon looks forward to her return to working with students in 6 through 12 grade levels, leading young people and teams to recognize their capabilities while balancing the challenges of adolescence, especially at academically and athletically rigorous institutions. In her role as director of athletics, she will work closely with Head of School Ryan S. Dahlem and other senior leaders to set the strategic vision and plan for the school’s athletics program in the context of Rivers’ larger mission and strategic objectives.
“I am honored and excited to join The Rivers School as director of athletics,” said Cannon. “Rivers has a long-standing tradition of athletic excellence, and I look forward to building on that legacy. I am committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and competitive environment where all of our student-athletes can pursue their goals as they find who they are and where they belong. I am eager to work alongside the talented members of the professional community and coaches to further elevate an outstanding athletics program at an extraordinary school.”
Cannon’s appointment marks an exciting time for Rivers as the school builds on its position of strength and looks forward to the next chapter of success. In a highly-competitive interscholastic setting, Rivers consistently wins both NEPSAC and ISL championships, sending numerous graduates each year to Division I NCAA programs. Notably, during the 2023-24 school year, Rivers was the only school in New England to qualify for the playoffs in every eligible fall and winter sport.
Cannon’s leadership, combined with her holistic approach to athletics, aligns perfectly with Rivers’ mission of providing an enriching environment for students to excel and thrive in academics, athletics, and beyond.
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