eon Modeste, better known to many as “Coach Mo,” joined Andover’s Department of Athletics in fall 1986 thanks to a phone call from close friend Lou Bernieri. Both attended Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn, New York, where they were loyal teammates on the gridiron. After Poly, they kept in touch. When a football coaching position opened at Andover, Bernieri, then—and still—a PA English instructor, urged his friend to apply. Modeste was appointed head coach of varsity football and varsity basketball in 1987. His approach to coaching was through positive reinforcement along with disciplined training, collaboration, and respect. He encouraged student-athletes to make decisions for themselves. “The kids own the game plan,” Modeste once said in an Andover magazine interview. In 1990, Modeste was named director of athletics, a position he held from 1990 to 2000 and again from 2014 to 2019. In addition to two stints leading the department, Modeste coached football for
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32 years and basketball for 25. Additionally, he served as assistant coach of boys’ lacrosse. He taught physical education and served as a house counselor during his 33-year tenure. Modeste’s Andover-Exeter football stats are 20–10–2, and his team won four New England championships. More than statistics, Modeste cared about students and about improving Andover’s athletic offerings. He took great pride in his department’s accomplishments during his time at Andover. He expanded the training and support staff, and vastly improved the equity of girls’ sports. He worked toward getting athletics the recognition it deserved as part of the total Andover educational experience and championed the development of fitness-oriented and outdoor activities as well as recreational programs. Modeste also provided important input on the planning of the Snyder Center, which opened in 2018. He retired in June 2019. Modeste currently lives in Taos, New Mexico, with his wife, Jo-Ann.
TIM MULLEN P’14
COACH
L
Leon A. Modeste III
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