Blake Hollinger Named Head Coach of Boys Varsity Lacrosse

Hollinger, who joined the Gunn community in 2022, brings a wealth of elite-level playing and coaching experience to the helm of the boys lacrosse program. A graduate of Salisbury School, Hollinger captained the lacrosse team at Hamilton College while earning his bachelor’s degree in communications. He later earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Shenandoah University.

“Our goal remains centered on developing exceptional lacrosse players, outstanding students, and young men of character who will become leaders in the community,” said Colleen Fink, Athletic Director and Dean of Co-curricular Activities. “We are confident Coach Hollinger will continue to help our student-athletes reach their full academic and athletic potential while preparing them for lifelong success.” 

Prior to his arrival at Gunn, Hollinger spent over a decade in the Washington, D.C./Maryland area directing Upper School Admissions and coaching varsity football and lacrosse at the Landon School. During his tenure there, he also coached the top-ranked Madlax National Team. Throughout his nearly 15 years of coaching experience, Hollinger has established a proven track record as an educator and mentor, helping to develop and place student-athletes at the Division I and Division III levels, including a number of high school and collegiate All-Americans.

In addition to Hollinger’s coaching duties, he serves as Director of Financial Aid, Senior Associate Director of Admissions, a house parent, and an advisor. He is a faculty advisor for Fred's Fellowship, one of Gunn’s student-led affinity groups. His impact on the athletic program was recognized league-wide when he was named the 2022–23 Beven Dupre Assistant Coach of the Year by the Western New England Secondary School Lacrosse Association (WNESSLA).

Hollinger’s appointment as Head Coach comes at an exciting era for Gunn Athletics, which continues to implement collegiate-modeled frameworks for student-athlete development — including a recent pilot program focused on mindfulness, flow-state psychology, and holistic strength and conditioning.

“Coach Hollinger embodies the traits of engagement, collaboration, and competitive character that define the Highlander spirit,”  Fink added. “We are excited for the future of Boys Varsity Lacrosse under his leadership.”