Andover Boys Varsity Hockey will require male managers after discussions within the Athletic Department. The change was made to eliminate gender stereotypes associated with having opposite gender managers, according to Assistant Coach. “For some of us as faculty, the previous model served the purpose of reinforcing gender stereotypes. Moreover, the model can sometimes create gender and power dynamics that run counter to the healthy relationships we strive for as a school community. When coupled with other reasons, the pivot to same-gender managers was a positive change for us,” wrote Hession in an email to The Phillipian. Leon Modeste, Athletic Director, said, “Colleges are also going towards having same-gender manager systems. Some [colleges] view certain managerial duties as sort of lesser. The girls will carry things for the boys and bake cookies. We want to stray away from that.” No other sports teams have made changes to their managerial policies so far. “We want to have discussions among coaches, players, swimmers and [everyone] else about which way we want to go. Is there a universal answer? Not for me. [Although] certain sports will probably go that way, I don’t think all sports will go that way,” said Modeste.
