In a Twist of Fate, Men’s Soccer Teammates Reunite as Colleagues at Needham High School

In 2016, two Curry College men’s soccer student-athletes crossed the stage as teammates and entered the workforce as Sport and Recreation Management professionals. Now, Ryan Madden ’16 and Richkaard Verrier ’16 are working together as colleagues for the Needham High School Athletic Department.

Madden, Director of Athletics for the Rockets, was hired this summer after a successful six-year stint as Milton High School’s Athletic Director. When he assumed the role at Needham, he had an open position on his staff, and reflecting on his Curry days, knew exactly who to call.

“It was a no-brainer,” said Madden.

Verrier wasn’t too far away at Brookline High School, where he’s served as Assistant Athletic Director for the past two years.

The two Milton natives grew up together, were college teammates, and took similar Sport and Recreation Management courses at Curry before heading into the workforce—only to be reunited once more in a professional setting.

Madden and Verrier both credit their Curry College academic and athletics experiences for their post-graduate success. While bonding together as brothers on the field, they also held each other accountable in the classroom, and strived to make each other better no matter the situation. Along with their peer support and field experience they gained during several internships, they tout the outstanding relationships made with School of Business and Computer Science faculty, who they say would do anything to help their students flourish.

“The small student-to-teacher ratio was really helpful for me,” said Madden. “At Curry, the faculty know exactly who you are, how you learn, and take time to get to know you as a person. If you need that extra help after class, you can always ask.”

“If you need something, Curry has it,” echoed Verrier. “There’s support there for everyone—It doesn't matter what subject it is, whatever it is you're dealing with, Curry has something in place to help you. That's the beauty of the school.”

While the two are still relatively new in their roles, they’re confident that their strong personal and professional relationship and combined experiences will set a positive example for their student-athletes in Needham.

Said Verrier, “When we graduated Curry in 2016, we both went our separate ways and we've learned a lot over the past six years. And not to call it fate, but it's cool that we came back together and are leading this athletic department here in Needham. We're super excited and hope to leave a positive impact.”