Carter Abbott '89

Carter Abbott '89 holds fond memories of her time at Peck, and carried the values instilled in her early education to her later education at Andover, Princeton—where she was a lacrosse first-team All-American and Ivy League Player of the Year—and Harvard’s Graduate School of Education.

“My years at Peck were some of the most formative of my life. I vividly remember the sense of community—the small class sizes, the coaches and teachers who knew every student personally, and the lifelong friendships that began on the playgrounds, fields, and in the gyms.”

Peck's values have also traveled with her into her professional life, while she has taught and coached at four independent schools; most recently The Pingry School, where she is currently the Director of Athletics and Student Success.

In a conversation with Alumni Director Taylor (Worthington) Willliams '03, Carter reflects on her journey from student to parent and educator, sharing insights on the role of sports in education and community building.

TAYLOR: Carter, thank you for taking the time to speak with us! To start, please tell us a bit about your time at Peck and some of your standout memories of being an athlete at the school.

CARTER: Absolutely! My years at Peck were some of the most formative of my life. I vividly remember the sense of community—the small class sizes, the coaches and teachers who knew every student personally, and the lifelong friendships that began on the playgrounds, fields, and in the gyms. I remember playing three sports— field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse—and how influential Coach Van [lacrosse coach Ann Van Voorhis] was. Coach Van stressed the importance of leadership and fellowship and that competing should be fun and intense. I remember being the only seventh grader starting on the seventh and eighth-grade basketball team, so it was undoubtedly an early lesson in teamwork and sportsmanship, values I’ve carried throughout my career.

TAYLOR: You’ve maintained a solid connection to Peck, as you later chose to send your daughters here, Campbell ’21 and Quinn ’23. How have you experienced Peck’s athletic and character education program and culture over the years?

CARTER: It was all about character education and tradition. My family always emphasized the importance of a solid educational foundation, and I experienced firsthand the benefits of a Peck education. When it came time for my daughters to start school, I wanted them to have the same nurturing environment I had experienced. Peck’s emphasis on character education and its challenging yet supportive academic environment aligned perfectly with our family values. It was extraordinary to watch my daughters grow and learn in a place that holds so many memories for me.

TAYLOR: Transitioning from being a Peck student and parent to becoming the athletic director at Pingry must have been a unique experience. Can you share more about your role and what you enjoy most?

CARTER: It’s been a full-circle journey in many ways. After being a camp counselor at a sleepaway camp for many summers, I knew I wanted to work with kids at a young age. Additionally, my mother, Betty Marsh, was a Peck teacher from 1974-1987 and the President of the Board from 1994-1998. I have worked in schools my whole career, whether teaching or coaching. For the past 15 years, I have worked at Pingry and for the last 11 years as the athletic director. I support student-athletes as they grow on and off the field. I’ve always believed that sports are an extension of the classroom—they teach discipline, resilience, and the importance of collaboration. I aim to create an inclusive athletic program where students feel encouraged to participate and challenged to reach their full potential. Seeing students develop their athletic skills, confidence, and leadership abilities is incredibly rewarding.

TAYLOR: How do you see the role of athletics in education, particularly in fostering a sense of community?

CARTER: Athletics have a unique way of bringing people together. Whether it’s a school-wide event or a daily practice, sports build bonds beyond the field. It’s not just about winning or losing; it’s about the shared experiences and the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a team. At Pingry, and certainly during my time as a student at Peck, I’ve seen how athletics can be a unifying force, creating school spirit and lifelong connections among students, parents, and faculty.

TAYLOR: Thank you so much for your time! Do you have any final reflections for us, as you look back on your journey from Peck student to your current role at Pingry?

CARTER: I’ve realized that the core values of education—respect, perseverance, and kindness—are what truly matter, and these values were instilled in me during my time at Peck. Education goes beyond academics; it’s about nurturing well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to their communities. I feel privileged to have been part of such excellent school environments, first as a student and now as an educator. It’s a testament to the power of strong school communities and their lasting impact on shaping our lives.