Coach Chris Kelliher

Chris Kelliher brings over a decade of coaching experience, leadership, and organization to the NEA Wildcats as both Scheduler and Assistant Coach. A multi-sport athlete, Chris played baseball at Trinity High School in Manchester and with American Legion Post 79 before going on to play college football at Plymouth State University. There, he served as captain of the 2001 team and earned All-American honors as a linebacker.

Chris has coached youth baseball from T-ball through 14U, working extensively with both club and town All-Star programs alongside his oldest son. He served as head coach of the 2011 age group for five years, leading the team to four district championships. In addition to baseball, Chris has been a head coach and assistant coach with the Windham Wolverines Youth Football program for six years.

USA Baseball, CPR, and Heads Up Concussion certified, Chris believes in a “development first” mindset—while also understanding when it’s time to compete. As he puts it, championship games aren’t the place to experiment; preparation and practice are what allow players to perform when it matters most.

What Chris values most is watching athletes grow over time—not just as baseball players, but as young men. Having coached many of his players since age eight and now seeing them compete at the high school level, he takes pride in the long-term relationships and development he’s helped foster.

Chris leads by example, emphasizing punctuality, accountability, and mutual respect. One of his most memorable coaching moments came when his 12U team defeated a powerhouse Manchester squad in district play—the only team to do so before they advanced to the Cal Ripken World Series.

Outside of coaching, Chris enjoys golfing, running, and biking.