Michelle Abraham was born and raised in New Britain, Connecticut. She is the daughter of Rosalie and Edward Abraham. Michelle is a proud product of a supportive family and the New Britain Public Schools.
Graduating from New Britain High School in 1985, she was a three-sport letter recipient: volleyball, basketball, and softball. Upon graduating Michelle matriculated to Central Connecticut State University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, a Masters’ degree in Reading Instruction, as well as a 6th year degree.
Prior to attending Central Connecticut State University, legendary softball Coach Ron Pringle recruited Michelle to lead his team as a pitcher. Fulfilling her destiny, Michelle went on to star for the Blue Devils. Some of her career pitching highlights are an ERA Earned Run Average of 2.29, total innings pitched 329, with 47 complete games while capturing 25 career wins. In 1988 Michelle received the Central Connecticut State University Scholar Athlete Award. Michelle considers Coach Pringle as her biggest influence for her coaching career. He was a mentor, coach, and most importantly a friend in the hardest times. His compassion for all people and his love of sport resonated strongly with everything Michelle believes in as a coach, educator, and good person.
As a “home grown product”, Michelle continues to be driven to give back to the schools and the community that afforded her many opportunities. She has been a teacher and a coach with the New Britain Consolidated School District for the past 35 years. Ms. Abraham has also been successful throughout her career as an educator. She has taught and mentored students at all levels of education in New Britain: elementary, middle school, and currently at the high school level. As an educator, Michelle was selected as the 2013-2014 New Britain Public Schools- Brookside- Teacher of the Year.
Michelle’s coaching career in New Britain started in 1988 as the head volleyball coach, taking over for well-known Coach Bill Ackerman and has been New Britain’s Head Coach for 38 seasons. In addition to coaching volleyball Michelle coached girls’ basketball as an assistant coach (1988-2003) with Hall of Fame Coach and long-time friend Beryl Piper.
During her reign as head volleyball coach, Michelle has recorded an overall record of 371 wins and 354 losses. Her teams have qualified for the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) State Tournament a total of 20 seasons. Appearing in 6 quarter finals, earning 5 League/Division Championships, 1998 Runner-up – Class LL with a record of 23-2, and in 1999 the CIAC Class LL State Championship with a record of 25-0.
In 2018 Michelle started a boys’ volleyball program at New Britain High School, which has qualified for the CIAC state tournament over the past four seasons. In addition, in 2023 and 2025 they tied for the division championship. Having an overall record of 50-27 the last four seasons.
Michelle has been named to the Connecticut High School Coaches Association as Volleyball Coach of the Year in 2002, Connecticut Nominee for National Coach of the Year in 2008, The New Britain Sports Hall of Fame in 2016, and in 2018 Connecticut Finalist for National Coach of the Year.
Michelle enjoys golfing, shopping, cooking/baking, and watching many amateur to professional sports. During her free time, she enjoys spending time at the Connecticut shore where she plans to retire with her Labrador retrievers – Delta and Chateau, her family, and friends. Upon retirement she hopes to volunteer at High Hopes disabilities as well as challenging life circumstances.