LOWELL — Andover's EJ Perry III has been a coaching cornerstone in the Merrimack Valley, southern New Hampshire and beyond for more than 30 years.
From basketball to volleyball to football, he was successful in every sport he coached, leaving his mark on programs such as Andover High School, Salem (NH) High School and Malden Catholic.
So, will this spring be his last season as the head coach of the Golden Warriors?
“I've absolutely loved every place I've been to in my career,” said Perry, who is currently in his 11th spring as Andover High School's boys volleyball coach. “I have lived in Andover all my life, so it has been a dream of mine to be able to coach Andover girls basketball, football and boys volleyball. The Blue and Gold means a lot to me.
“Salem's players were great (winning titles in men's basketball and volleyball). I have had great success as an assistant basketball coach at Malden Catholic University, and last night I received an award in my honor. Awarded.”
But once this spring's volleyball season ends, Perry is ultimately considering leaving the coaching world altogether.
Perry announced to the Eagle-Tribune last week that he is stepping down as head coach of the Andover High School football team, leaving his future at the helm of the Warriors' volleyball program in doubt.
After his team lost 3-0 to No. 5 Lowell on Wednesday night, Perry spoke about whether this was his last time as coach.
“A decision will be made once the volleyball season ends in June,” Perry said. “After football season ended, I took my time to make the decision and discussed it with my family. It's a difficult decision.”
As the years pass, for Perry, deciding whether this is his final season as coach, the most memorable thing is being there for his family's milestone.
“My grandson was born on my birthday and was in intensive care for two weeks. I was focused on soccer, so I didn't see him until three months later in December,” Perry said. “I haven't missed a day of practice in all these years. I postponed my surgery to Sunday to make sure I could participate in practice, but in order to do that I had to sign the AMA.
“I was able to meet my son EJ, but he used to start in an NFL preseason game and I couldn't go because I was coaching. Things like this It's hard to remember. My other son, Will, had a great spring at the University of Massachusetts, and I was able to watch practices and spring games, but that was it for June. will be lowered.”
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