The Ethel Walker School
Athletics
Jill Mountford
Assistant Athletic Director for Operations, Varsity Lacrosse Coach
Jill Mountford joined Walker’s in the fall of 2023 as head coach of the varsity lacrosse team after graduating from Bentley University with a Bachelor in Science in Management. Coach Mountford also coaches at the club level for Nor’easter Lacrosse. She has a USA Lacrosse Gold Coaching Certification.
Coach Mountford also serves as the Assistant Athletic Director for Operations within the athletic department. She lives on campus with her dog Bentley and serves as a dorm parent and upper school advisor.
Brett Benzio
Assistant Head of School for Athletics, Co-Curriculars, and Equestrian
Brett Benzio hails from sunny South Florida where she was a multi-sport athlete in high school. In her four years at Jensen Beach High School, Brett was a state champion in basketball and volleyball – winning the State Tournament MVP in volleyball and Player of the Year in both basketball and volleyball as a senior. JBHS inducted Brett into their hall of fame in 2013. Brett chose to pursue basketball in college and was a four-year starter at Tulane University. During her time in New Orleans, Brett solidified her impact on the program in the record books and most impressively as the second woman in school history to score at least 1,000 points and pull down at least 1,000 rebounds. After completing her collegiate career, Brett continued playing professionally for MB Slovenka in the Czech Republic and DJK Brose in Germany.
As an athletic professional, Brett has both collegiate and prep school experience. As the director of operations for the Harvard women’s basketball team, Brett was instrumental in managing the program’s travel, events, and day-to-day operations. Brett gained more collegiate experience as an assistant coach for the women’s basketball program at the University of Vermont, where she was the compliance liaison, marketing director, and academic advisor for athletes in the program. With a combined seven years of experience at the New Hampton School and Lawrence Academy, Brett has had the opportunity to familiarize herself with operations within NEPSAC.
Brett holds a BS degree from Tulane University in Management and a MBA from Lynn University in Athletic Administration and Media & Marketing Management.
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Kristin Nicolle
Head Athletic Trainer
Kristin Nicolle has 21 years of experience as a Head Athletic Trainer in private schools. She began her career at the Madeira School in McLean, VA, where she started the athletic training program. Kristin started at Walker’s in fall 2004.
While working at Walker’s, Kristin was house faculty for two years and Dorm Director of Smith dorm for one year, a Middle School advisor, Middle School physical education teacher, assistant Middle School basketball and softball coach, Middle School Wellness teacher, and Assistant Athletic Director. Kristin continues as the Head Athletic Trainer.
Kristin has a Master of Education degree from Springfield College in Sports Injury, Prevention and Management and is a Certified Athletic Trainer through the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification. Kristin is also a licensed Athletic Trainer in the state of Connecticut.
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Mimi Duran P'18
Associate Athletic Director, Director of Summer Programs
Mimi Duran brings over 30 years of coaching experience in both independent and public schools. She began her tenure at Walker’s in the fall of 2007, where she has spearheaded a highly successful field hockey program. Under her leadership, the team has won seven CISAC League Titles, six CISAC Tournament Titles, and the Class C WNEPSAC Championship Title in 2010, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. Walker’s teams have also participated in the NEPSCA Field Hockey Tournament in the years 2007, 2008, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.
Duran’s achievements include receiving the Founders League Nadal Sportsmanship Award, as well as being inducted into the Connecticut Field Hockey Hall of Fame and The New Agenda Northeast Hall of Fame. She holds a Level 2 Coaching Certification from the United States Field Hockey Association (USFHA) and is a member of the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA), where she serves on the Scholastic All-American Committee, the Scholastic Committee, and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Additionally, she is a member of the Connecticut Field Hockey Coaches Association and serves as a USFHA NEXUS coach.
Duran has also taken teams on international trips to compete in Europe and South America. Many of her former players have achieved All-State and Regional All-American recognition, with several going on to play and captain collegiate teams at the Division I, II, and III levels. Notably, a number of her alumnae have pursued coaching careers at both the high school and collegiate levels, earning induction into the Connecticut Field Hockey Hall of Fame as players and coaches. In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Mimi Duran serves as the Associate Athletic Director. She holds a Masters degree in Professional Sports Management from Georgetown University.
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