AJ Alessi
In the town of Branford, the Alessi family is synonymous with success in the sport of lacrosse. AJ along with his siblings Jackie and Billy starred for the Hornets and later coached at the high school. Fervently supported by his parents Joe and Judy, AJ has thrived in the sport as a player, head coach, and league administrator.
As a member of the Branford High School soccer team coached by John McKittrick, AJ had an exceptional career. A skilled and aggressive midfielder, AJ earned four varsity letters and he was selected to the All-SCC team following his junior and senior seasons. Furthermore, as a senior, AJ was named to the New Haven Register All Area team and the All-State team.
In the spring, AJ started every lacrosse game for four seasons. During that time span he earned numerous accolades including; All American, All State and All SCC honors, as well as New Haven Register MVP. AJ also participated in the prestigious Senior All Star game contested in St. Louis. However, it was his dominance in the 2003 state finals that earned him legendary status.
On June 14, at Hamden High School, the Hornets squared off against arch rival Amity in the Division II State Championship game. On a sweltering afternoon, the Spartans jumped ahead to an early and convincing lead. Down but not out, the Hornets inched their way back into the contest and tied the score late in regulation play. In triple overtime, Branford prevailed 9-8 to capture the state title. During the epic battle, Alessi scored five goals and was later named Tournament MVP. Head coach Brian Adkins (2023 Inductee) stated, “as a player A.J worked hard on and off of the field. He dedicated himself to improving his skills and he was an extension of the coaching staff. In the state championship game, he willed the team to victory. As a head coach, he is recognized in the profession as one of the best coaches in Connecticut. In a short period of time, he built Notre Dame into a top ten program.”
After graduating in the spring of 2005, AJ matriculated to Quinnipiac University. As a Bobcat, he lettered for coach Eric Fekete. During his senior season, Alessi was a team captain. He graduated in 2009 with a degree in Education.
AJ returned to his alma mater to coach lacrosse. Under the tutelage of head coaches Brian Adkins and then Jim May, Alessi deepened his knowledge of the sport and gained valuable coaching experience. In 2014, he was hired to become the head coach at Notre Dame High School. Quickly, his teams earned the reputation of playing hard and with toughness. In ten seasons, AJ has established an impressive 124-71 record and in 2022 his squad was Class M State Champions Runner Up. Remarkably, five of Alessi’s teams have reached the state semi-finals. The New Haven Register has recognized him as Coach of the Year four times and in 2022 he was the CIAC Coach of the Year.
In 2017, AJ, along with his close friend Craig Kenney (Hall of Fame Class of 2018), established Branford CrossFit. In addition, AJ is the director of the Connecticut Blazers Lacrosse Club.
In 2020, AJ married his wife, Amanda. Following her superb ice hockey career at Cornell, Amanda became an assistant coach at Quinnipiac University. The devoted couple have daughters named Samantha and Wrenley.
