Boys Varsity Soccer

Team Overview

The Soccer Program at FGS is focused on developing young athletes into competitive soccer players by the time they reach the varsity level. The program stresses the technical, tactical, and physical demands of the game as it is played at the college stage. By exposing young athletes to these demands early on in the program, the player will find himself better prepared to play at a higher level of soccer.

All practice sessions are geared to improve the player’s foot-skills, placing emphasis on developing the quality of the player’s first touch on the ball. At the varsity level, higher demands are expected physically and technically from the players. Players learn to perform under pressure and at game speed. A variety of team formations are introduced and explained in order to provide the player with a detailed understanding of the tactics of the game.

A required, preseason training program is also an important element to the development of our players. We have specific conditioning and technical exercises that improve the player’s core strength, develop agility and improve both aerobic and anaerobic fitness levels.

The coaching staff’s objective is to assist hardworking, student-athletes in developing into high-quality soccer players. In addition, the overall improvement of the athlete’s physical fitness and coordination will prepare the athlete to be competitive in a variety of sports here at FGS.

Meet the Coaches

Stephen Gritti

Assistant Coach

Steve grew up outside of Boston, Mass and is a graduate of Boston College with a degree in history concentrating on Modern American History. He also took graduate courses in education technology, social studies and public administration while serving as an adjunct professor, defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator for the Division I AA football team at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York. Steve holds a masters degree from Concordia University. Having also coached defensive lines at Syracuse University and for a professional team, the Calgary Stampeders, Steve came to The Gunnery from Kent Hills School in Maine where he coached their team to three all state prep school championships. Steve teaches history and coaches Boys Varsity Football and Boys JV Hockey. He lives on campus in Graham house with his wife, Kara, daughters, Harper and Neely, and their dog, GG.
Bartholomew McMann

Assistant Coach

Class of ’55 Distinguished Teacher Award 2016

A native of Marshfield, MA, Bart attended The Roxbury Latin School in Boston before matriculating at Bowdoin College in Maine. At Bowdoin, he played both varsity soccer and lacrosse and earned an A.B. in Government and Legal Studies. After graduation Bart worked for State Street Corporation and taught IB History and Theory of Knowledge at the Verde Valley School in Sedona, Arizona. In 2016, he received an M.A.L.S. from Wesleyan University. He enjoys coaching soccer, playing golf, backpack trips and supporting Liverpool F.C. Bart teaches Honors U.S. Government, Honors Entrepreneurship Seminar, and leads the Gunn Scholar Program. In the afternoons, he coaches varsity soccer, varsity golf, and Highlander Hockey. He lives in Whittlesey House with his wife, Kate, and their son, Benjamin.
Greg Swenson

Head Coach

Gregory Swenson has dual bachelor’s degrees in economics and history from Drew University, where he also played soccer and lacrosse and worked in undergraduate admissions. He studied for three weeks in St. Petersburg, Russia, known for its “white nights,” as part of a history and culture program at Drew. Prior to joining The Frederick Gunn School he coached middle school lacrosse and was a supervisor at an elementary school camp. He is teaching economics and coaching three varsity sports: boys soccer, baseball and boys lacrosse. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking and watching cooking shows.