Written by Seth Stutman
Photos by Rob LeBlanc

Sponsored by East Village Place

Published in Longmeadow Neighbors (August 2022)

They say that when you’re young, you want to escape your birthplace, explore the world, and always vow never to return to your hometown. But in our town, even those who leave the nest tend to realize that later in life, especially if they choose to raise a family, that they don’t know how good they had it in Longmeadow. The Abad family came to Longmeadow, realized how special it was, and never looked back - and along the way, our cover family has changed lives, won championships and remained committed to the town that raised them.

“I plan on staying in town and giving my future family the same experience I was afforded as a kid,” said Brendan Abad, 24. “More often than not, people who grow up in Longmeadow end up coming back and settling down here due to everything the town has to offer. Hopefully, the great tradition Longmeadow has will continue for generations to come.”

Brendan’s parents, Francis and Shiela Abad, moved to Longmeadow from West Springfield when he was three, as they had heard that the school systems exceeded others in the area. One of four brothers, Abad took to the town immediately, “I’ve had only great experiences with fellow community members in Longmeadow. People here are friendly, welcoming, caring, and create a strong sense of community.”

After leaving Longmeadow High School (where he played basketball, among other sports), Abad graduated Springfield College with a bachelor’s in Physical and Health Education and was a force on the men’s basketball team during his time on Alden Street. More recently, Brendan graduated from American International College with a master in School Leadership - and a plan to impact the lives of children in his own community.

Abad didn’t have to travel far - his journey in professional education began in the East Longmeadow schools - and his laundry list of assorted duties in the school system is dizzying. In addition to teaching Health Education, Abad serves as the Boys Varsity Basketball Head Coach, Boys Cross Country Head Coach, Boys and Girls Track & Field Assistant Coach, advisor for the Medical Science Club, member of School Council, and member of the Equity & Inclusion Committee at East Longmeadow High School.

Full plate? That’s just an appetizer for Brendan Abad. Ever the entrepreneur, he founded the Spartan Basketball School, which offers a variety of basketball camps and clinics for elementary and middle school age students. But he also gives back, as a Big Brothers Big Sisters of America volunteer mentor and a tutor for prospective teacher candidates preparing for the Physical Education and Health Education MTEL exams.

“All of my professional experiences have allowed me to lead a life in service to others, which is the most rewarding thing someone can do,” said Abad. “I’m extremely fortunate to wake up everyday and have the chance to make a positive impact on someone’s life. I absolutely love being an educator, coach, and leader because of the impact you have the opportunity to make and the lifelong relationships you form.” Abad’s work has not gone unnoticed, and in 2021, Brendan proved a dual threat, as the recipient of the Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award, presented by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, and the MassLive Western Massachusetts Boys Basketball Coach of the Year. These honors caught the eye of State Representative Brian Ashe, who rewarded him with a Citation from the House of Representatives.

The Abad family has established roots in Longmeadow, and Brendan is ready to maintain the tradition with his girlfriend Macayla, who he met at Springfield College and who also serves the area as a physical therapist in addition to other leadership roles in the community. “More often than not, people who grow up in Longmeadow end up coming back and settling down here due to everything the town has to offer,” said Abad. If Longmeadow was seeking a hype man, they may have found it in Brendan Abad - he ‘gets’ what a town like Longmeadow is all about. “Whether it’s family parties or activities in the community, I’ve been very fortunate to be surrounded by so many loving and caring family members and friends who allow me to be the best version of myself. The positive relationships I’ve made in the Western Massachusetts community is a big reason why I’ve stayed local. As a kid, my parents taught me that if you get out of bed, be on time, do your job, and treat others with kindness you’ll always win the day. The kindness the people of Western Mass show on a daily basis is what makes this place so special and unique; it’s a great place to live and raise a family.”