Cheshire Academy has found its new coach for varsity girls’ lacrosse in Princess Zabel, a former Division I athlete and longtime collegiate coach. 

Zabel will also serve as assistant coach for the varsity girls’ basketball and as CA’s first senior woman administrator in athletics, working alongside new Athletic Director Jim McCarthy. 

About her new role, Zabel said, “It is with great thanks to Head of School Julie Anderson, Associate Head of School David Dykeman, Athletic Director Jim McCarthy, and all I have met at Cheshire Academy for including me into their community. I am honored to be chosen to work with this tremendous faculty and student population and look forward to the journey ahead.” 

Zabel, who started at CA on July 1, comes with an array of coaching and admissions experience from local and national universities, including Central Connecticut State University, where she was head coach of the women’s lacrosse program; Bucknell University, where she was first assistant coach and recruiting coordinator; and Villanova University, where she was first assistant coach, recruiting coordinator, and second assistant, defensive coordinator. She has also held coaching positions at Mercer University and the University of Mount Olive. 

Zabel is currently the owner and director of Black Pirate Lacrosse LLC, a startup focused on recruiting events, youth program consulting, and athlete performance. She also works with the Nor’easter Lacrosse Club, as well as the Avon and Westport youth lacrosse clubs. In the past, she has worked with Philly Blast Lacrosse, Dodgers, CT Grizzlies, Snipers Elite, and Yellow Jackets North, and several other youth lacrosse programs in the state. 

Zabel is a graduate of Danbury High School, where she was two-time all-state, all-FCIAC, 2008 state champions MVP, and all American. She graduated from Villanova, where she played on the women’s lacrosse team and took home honors from the Big East Tournament in 2012.  

“We’re thrilled to welcome Princess to the Athletic Department and the CA community,” McCarthy said. “She brings a wealth of experience at both the collegiate and club levels. Princess had an accomplished playing career at Villanova and understands how to build successful programs. In addition, she will serve as a tremendous resource and role model for all of our student-athletes.”