The Hill Academy Welcomes Jeff Teat as Prep Head Coach for 2025–26, Unveils Full Lacrosse Coaching Staff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Hill Academy Welcomes Jeff Teat as Prep Head Coach for 2025–26, Unveils Full Lacrosse Coaching Staff

Caledon, ON — [August 22, 2025] — The Hill Academy, Canada’s premier independent school for dedicated student-athletes, is proud to announce its 2025–26 lacrosse coaching staff, under the continued leadership of Director of Lacrosse, Brodie Merrill.

The headline announcement for the upcoming year is The Hill's own; Cornell University alumnus, Team Canada standout, and NLL/PLL star, Jeff Teat returning to lead the #1 Prep Lacrosse Program in the country as Head Coach.

Jeff Teat’s coaching appointment represents a major step in his development as a leader in the sport. Drawing on the coaching and guidance he’s received from some of the most respected minds in lacrosse — including his time at The Hill Academy, Cornell, Lacrosse Canada, Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) and the National Lacrosse League (NLL) — Teat will bring a wealth of experience and a championship mindset to his role. Teat has been moving through the coaching ranks at The Hill Academy and is thrilled to accept the role as the Prep Head Coach.

"This is such an honour to continue to build on the legacy of The Hill Lacrosse," said newly minted HC, Jeff Teat. "The focus of this announcement is about the amazing group of young men that we have here though. Our staff is looking to help them get to their next highest level of achievement, and there are some great young names that you're going to want to remember."

The Hill Academy’s Prep Lacrosse Team has long set the gold standard in Canadian lacrosse development. The program has captured the National Prep Championship in 2017, 2018, and 2023, producing NCAA standouts, national team members, and professional athletes. Teat’s head coaching role builds on this tradition of excellence, ensuring the program continues to dominate on the national stage while developing players of character.

"I have had a front row seat to watch Jeff grow as a lacrosse player and as a leader in the sport," said Director of Lacrosse, Brodie Merrill. "His drive to improve himself has been present since his days as a student-athlete here at The Hill, and his ability to make those around him better will be one of the leadership abilities I'm most excited to watch flourish in this new role."

The Hill Academy's Prep Team consists of the top upperclassmen (grade 12 and post grad) from across the globe, as they strive toward their next highest level of achievement. The Hill Academy's Prep Team has set a precedent as one of the country's top pathways to the NCAA and beyond. The Varsity and Junior Varsity teams consist of the top underclassmen (grades 9-11), training under the tutelage of some of the top lacrosse minds in the game.

The Hill Academy's Girls Varsity returns with some familiar faces, as Carly Quinn returns as Head Coach of the High School program. The Lacrosse Canada and Canisius College standout will continue to build on the success of the girls lacrosse program alongside fellow Canadian international, Erica Evans, who returns to The Hill Academy for her second year. Quinn and Evans will be assisted by Goalie Coach Kameron Halsall, who will also be involved with the girls Junior School program.

This trio blends international pedigree, championship-winning experience, and educational excellence. Together, they reflect The Hill Academy’s commitment to academic excellence, character development, and athletic pursuit, guiding student-athletes to thrive as leaders both on the field and in the classroom. The Hill Academy's Tory Merrill will be on maternity leave for the 2025-26 academic year.

2025–26 Hill Academy Lacrosse Coaching Staff

Prep Team

• Head Coach: Jeff Teat

• Associate Head Coach: Luc Magnan

• Assistant Coach: Jon Moore

• Assistant Coach: Cam Acchione

• Assistant Coach: Matt Acchione

Varsity / Junior Varsity Teams

• Head Coach: Graydon Hogg/Brodie Merrill

• Assistant Coach: Graeme Hossack

• Assistant Coach: Connor Gillis

Junior School (Boys)

• Co-Head Coach: Zach Kearney

• Co-Head Coach: Graydon Hogg

Boys Goalie Coach: Ben Neeb Girls Varsity

• Head Coach: Carly Quinn

• Assistant Coach: Erica Evans

• Assistant Coach / Goalie Coach: Kameron Halsall

• Associate Head Coach: Tory Merrill (on maternity leave 2025)

Junior School (Girls)

• Head Coach: Erica Evans

• Assistant Coach / Goalie Coach: Kameron Halsall

Lacrosse Sports Psychologist: Riley Thompson

Beyond the Game: The Hill Student-Athlete Experience

The Hill Academy provides a world-class private school education designed for student-athletes — where academic excellence comes first. Character development is at the core of the school’s philosophy, with each athlete learning leadership, accountability, and resilience both on and off the field.

“We see sport as a laboratory for life, and our student-athletes will always be students first,” says Merrill. “We believe academic rigour combined with elite athletic training builds not only great players, but great people.”

The evolution of The Hill Academy over the past 19 academic years, has seen it grow to include a full Kindergarten to Grade 12 and Post Grad offering. As one of only three private schools in Caledon, many families have found The Hill Academy as a desirable destination for the world-class private education, as well as the dedication to physical literacy, outdoor education, and the character development that has fuelled many student-athletes who have gone on to represent their country, play professionally and achieve success in their sport. If you are interested in finding more information, we encourage you to contact info@thehillacademy.com.

About The Hill Academy

The Hill Academy was founded in 2006 in order to provide optimal academic and athletic programming for dedicated student-athletes. Located in Caledon, ON, just 45 minutes north of Toronto, The Hill campus sits on 134 acres of beautifully forested land. The campus offers students bright classrooms, daily outdoor education, a state-of-the-art athletic training experience, Hill Performance gym facilities, running and hiking trails, new turf field, exclusive off-site rink access, and an expansive boarding complex. 

Graduates from The Hill have been placed in some of the most prestigious academic and athletic institutions in the world. The Hill Academy is an institution for students who are committed to striving academically, and who would like an opportunity to take an in-depth exploration into their respective sport. 

For more information, visit www.thehillacademy.com and follow on social media: Instagram @thehillacademy, X (Twitter) @thehillacademy, and Facebook @thehillacademy1845