NEW LONDON, Conn. – Connecticut College has hired Sam Alexander as head coach for men's cross country and track & field, as announced by Director of Athletics Mo White on Monday.

After an extensive national search, Alexander takes over the position after serving as the interim head coach since August 2022. Prior to that he had served as a volunteer assistant with the Camels since 2019.

"We are so thrilled to welcome Sam to our department in a full-time capacity," said White. "Under his leadership, he led both the cross country and track & field teams to historic seasons, and we believe that the best fit for the job was right here at Conn all along."  

Last season Alexander helped guide the men's cross country team to the NCAA Division III Championship for only the second time in program history, finishing 24th overall. Additionally, he coached the track & field squad to a sixth-place result at the New England Division III Championship, also a program best. 

During his tenure as interim coach, Alexander coached two NCAA Division III Cross Country All-Americans and led the recruiting efforts for the classes of 2027 and 2028. He worked closely with Ned Bishop, head coach of women's cross country and track & field, throughout the past year.

"I am truly excited about the permanent hiring of Sam and what it means for the future of Connecticut College cross country and track & field," said Bishop. "We have had the great benefit of Sam's outstanding contributions, and our entire team has felt the impact of his growing commitment to our program. The past year was one of unprecedented success and development for both programs and Sam was an integral part of all that."

Prior to the 2022-23 season, Alexander served as a volunteer coach at Connecticut College while pursuing another career. He also brings coaching experience from his alma mater, Central Connecticut State University, where he was instrumental in program development and meet management. 

A native of Waterford, Conn., Alexander was a standout distance runner as a student-athlete at CCSU. He was the 2011 Northeast Conference individual champion in men's cross country as well as the 5,000- and 10,000-meter champion at the league's annual outdoor meet in 2012. In addition, he qualified for the 2012 NCAA Division I East Regional Championship and finished the outdoor season ranked 41st nationally in the 10,000 to cap his Blue Devil career. 

Post-collegiately, Alexander represented the United States at the BUPA Great Edinburgh International Cross Country race and at the North America, Central America, and Caribbean Championships, both in 2014.

"I am grateful for this opportunity and for my acceptance into the Camel community," said Alexander. "This past year I felt extremely fortunate to be entrusted with the responsibilities handed to me, and because of the connections I felt with our student-athletes, the rest of our fine staff, and the department, I am inspired to see where the future can take us. Conn is a great place to run, jump, and throw, and our track and field and cross country programs have the pieces and resources in place to truly succeed within the NESCAC and nationally. I am excited to see what we can do."

The Camels will return 20 athletes with varsity experience next season as both the cross country and track & field teams will attempt to build on the success of this past year.