Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 6/18/26
From Press Release and Staff Report
Following a comprehensive national search, Cincinnati Country Day School has selected Perkiomen School boys’ lacrosse coach Michael Kruger as its next director of athletics.
Kruger brings nearly 20 years of experience in independent school leadership, athletics administration, admissions, and coaching. He spent the last 5 years as AD and lacrosse coach at Perk School, where he has overseen significant growth in the athletics program, including expanded staffing, enhanced communications and branding efforts, increased opportunities for student-athletes pursuing collegiate athletics, and numerous league and state championships.
Kruger took over the Perkiomen School lacrosse program, which had competed in the Tri-County League in 2021, and developed it into a notable independent program, posting a 40-38 record over 5 seasons. This year, Perkiomen School went 10-7 for the second straight year and posted wins over Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, Shady Side Academy, Trinity-Pawling, and Westtown School. Perk School finished sixth in the final PA Lacrosse News Private rankings.
Kruger also had four players earn USA Lacrosse Academic All-American honors and helped spearhead the development and growth of the boys’ Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association (PAISAA) tournament.
The 2026 senior class had players committed to Syracuse, Yale, Towson, Iona, Cleveland State, Connecticut College, Stevenson, and Mary Washington. Kruger sent players to over 20 NCAA programs in 5 years, including schools in the ACC, Ivy, Patriot League, CAA, NESCAC, and others.
“What impressed our search committee most was not simply Mike’s record of achievement. Throughout the process, he demonstrated a deep commitment to the educational purpose of athletics,” said Rob Zimmerman `98, head of school. “He understands that athletics should challenge students to grow as leaders of character, both on and off the field. His philosophy aligns closely with Country Day’s century-old belief that the lessons learned through athletics are essential components of a well-rounded education.”
Kruger expressed enthusiasm about joining Country Day and becoming part of the Cincinnati community.
“It was evident from the very beginning of my interview process that Country Day is a special community, and that athletics play a central role in the student experience,” said Kruger. “I’m excited to partner with the students, parents, coaches, and the entire school community as we strive for a mission-aligned and transformational student-athlete experience.”
Before his role as director of athletics at Perkiomen, Kruger served as associate director of admissions at Kent School in Connecticut. He has also built a distinguished lacrosse coaching career at both the independent school and collegiate levels, including positions at the University of Vermont, Shenandoah University, Washington & Lee University, and Trinity College. Among other accolades, he was named the regional U.S. Lacrosse Coach of the Year during his coaching career.
Kruger and his wife, Sarah, will relocate to Cincinnati this summer with their daughters, Addy and Milly, and their coonhound, Frank.
