In his second season leading the Andover Boys Baseball team, Head Coach Chris Powers looks to build on the team’s previous successes and deepen the relationships he has developed with new and returning players. Having embarked on his coaching career after college, Powers brings extensive experience from his years at Pingree as well as the Landon School in Maryland. Powers hopes to utilize his knowledge of the game to help each player on his team achieve success.
In an email to The Phillipian, Powers wrote, “I first began coaching shortly after I finished playing college baseball. I had the chance to be an assistant coach to a local men’s team, and a high school varsity team. I was very fortunate to have worked with great coaches who I was able to learn so many things about coaching. I am grateful to have had the chance to learn from so many coaches throughout my coaching career.”
For this year’s season, Powers hopes to work on strengthening the players both physically and mentally. Through finding balance between the two, he looks to enhance the team’s overall performance and resilience on the field.
“Coaching baseball involves so many individual pieces that has to work together to compete as a team. Baseball is a sport where failure is an inherent part of the game. The mental aspect of the game is every bit as important as the physical part of the game. Helping players to develop not just their physical skills, but also their mental skills is an integral part of being a baseball coach,” Powers wrote.
Rishi Rane ’25 highlighted Powers’ dedication to each player and the substantial time he commits to the team’s well-being. Rane recalled Powers’ support and efforts to improve his players in the offseason.
Rane said, “Coach Powers is always checking in on all the players. He is super involved and is always looking for you to put your best foot forward and maximize your abilities as a player. As a pitcher myself, a lot of guidance comes through the analysis of our bullpens and outings. During winter bullpens, he asked for self-analyses after we were done throwing, so we could realize what we did well and what we needed to improve on before our next practice.”
Robert Brown ’25 also highlighted Coach Powers’ effective decision making on the field and ability to think spontaneously.
Brown said, “He’s a great in-game manager. There were multiple times during preseason as well as in the early [game] where he made quick, on the spot, decisions that helped us tremendously in the game.”
Powers emphasized the role of discipline in his team’s philosophy, advocating for self-accountability. He is committed to instilling these values in his players to create a cohesive unit.
“Control the things you are able to control is a core for our team. We hope to instill the value of effort, attitude and enthusiasm. We want all of our players to hold themselves to high standards, in their approach, preparation and expectations,” wrote Powers.
Rane noted Powers’ efforts to unite the team at the start of the season, which have led to strong friendships both on and off the field. These relationships have been playing a crucial role in enhancing their on-field teamwork.
“He has great energy and a genuine passion for the game and the team as a family, and I’ve seen that day in and day out. I remember in Florida during preseason, he took the entire team to Top Golf at the end of our trip, and that was a really memorable experience for the guys to bond, even before we were back at school for the real season,” said Rane.
Looking ahead, Powers has high hopes for the season, optimistic that the team’s physical and mental readiness will pave the way for its success. He is confident that the establishment of clear goals will boost the team’s confidence and enthusiasm for the game.
Powers wrote, “Coaching goals change from year to year, but one is a constant, that is to help prepare players to be ready to compete each day. There are many different ways to approach competing. Being disciplined with your thought process and preparation will put players in a position to find success.”
