Former USMMA Team Captain Connor Kennedy '14 joined the Mariner football coaching staff as the wide receivers coach in July 2020.
"We are excited to have Connor return to the Academy and join the staff," said Toop. "The fact Connor was an outstanding player and Captain at the Academy, together with the fact he is working in the industry will allow him to relate to our Student-Athletes. His coaching and playing experience makes Connor an excellent addition to the staff. During his playing career, Connor personified work-ethic, commitment and performance, and he will be able to impart these characteristics to our Student-Athletes. I am excited to have one of our own back - he is a great addition!"
Kennedy returns to Kings Point after spending the 2019 season as an assistant coach for the varsity football team at nearby St. Francis Prep. High School in Queens, N.Y., where he played during his high school years. With the Terriers, Kennedy assisted the head coach in all aspects with focuses on the offense and special teams. He also implemented speed and strength training programs for the student-athletes, and closely analyzed game film to help devise offensive and special teams game plans.
A four-year member and three-year starting running back and wide receiver for the Mariners, Kennedy was selected to the Second Team All-Liberty League after his junior season in 2012. He was also the program's 2012 Andrew Gibson Offensive MVP Award winner. Kennedy was named a Team Captain his senior season in 2013 and took home the team's 2013 Michael Ricciardi Award as a role-model athlete who possessed a fierce desire for competition. One of the Mariners' best blockers and their main big-play weapon, he finished his career with 406 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground to go along with 554 receiving yards, hauling in five TDs through the air.
"I am beyond grateful to Coach Toop and the entire U.S. Merchant Marine Academy coaching staff and administration for giving me the opportunity to join them as an assistant football coach," said Kennedy. "To say it feels good to be back on the field as a Mariner would be an understatement. I am excited to coach side-by-side with Coaches Toop, Croall, Reichart and Reisig; all who coached me during my playing career at Kings Point. I am also excited to work with Coach Kikel, a fellow St. Francis Prep. High School alumni and later opponent at Springfield College. I'd like to thank Athletic Director Kristofer Schnatz for allowing me to give back to my alma mater, the school I owe everything to. I hope to use this opportunity to bring everything I've learned as both a player and a coach back to Kings Point, and to build upon the relationships I already have, while simultaneously building new ones. As always, BEAT COAST GUARD!"
After graduating from USMMA in 2014, Kennedy has spent nearly six years working as a Marine Engineer for the New York City Department of Transportation's Staten Island Ferry. At his "day job," he operates (and is responsible for maintaining) the main propulsion equipment and auxiliaries of the diesel or diesel-electric ferry boats, supervises and directs the engine room crew and ensures all standing orders, operating procedures and federal rules and regulations are followed.
Kennedy is a native of Bellrose, Queens, N.Y., where he still lives.
