Paul Piotrowicz, known affectionately as 'P' to generations of players and families, is closing the book on a remarkable 34-year coaching career with the Fontbonne Academy girls soccer program. At 74, Piotrowicz leaves behind a legacy that stretches far beyond wins, losses, or even the steep hill at Andrews Field that became a signature of his practices. His journey is one of passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the Fontbonne community—a community that, by his own admission, supported him through the most challenging moments of his life.
When Piotrowicz first took the coaching reins in 1988, he had never played organized soccer. A hockey player during his high school days at Boston Tech, and a contractor by trade, Piotrowicz’s entry into the soccer world was fueled by something deeper: a father’s devotion to his daughters. "I fell in love with it. You could feel it in the halls. It’s just a great school," Piotrowicz recalled, reflecting on his early days at Fontbonne Academy. His daughter Toria’s decision to attend Fontbonne set everything in motion, and soon after, Piotrowicz found himself stepping up to fill a junior varsity coaching vacancy.
What began as a way to stay involved in his daughters’ athletic lives blossomed into a decades-long vocation. Over the years, Piotrowicz not only coached his daughters, Toria and Melanie, but also the parents, aunts, and now children of players who once wore the same Fontbonne jersey. His impact is generational, a fact not lost on the current roster. "He is welcoming to everyone. There are so many girls that have never played before and I feel like his goal for everyone is to make them better, not only as a player but as a person," said senior forward Kate MacLean, whose mother and aunts played under Piotrowicz.
Piotrowicz’s approach to coaching extended well beyond the X’s and O’s. He joined a men’s league at the South Shore Sports Center in Hingham to improve his own soccer skills, joking, "And the only thing I had was speed." He also became involved with the Olympic Development Program for local youth, always seeking ways to better serve his players. Off the field, Piotrowicz’s presence was just as felt—often spotted playing drums in school musicals or bringing his beloved Bernedoodle, Autumn, to practices. The sight of Autumn chasing soccer balls as players dribbled up and down the infamous hill became as much a part of Fontbonne lore as any championship run.
But the heart of Piotrowicz’s story is rooted in both joy and heartbreak. After his daughter Toria passed away at 19 following a two-year battle with leukemia in 1993, the Fontbonne community stood by him and his family. "They never left my side. That’s why I’m so dedicated to this school. They did so much for us. They supported us," Piotrowicz said, his voice heavy with gratitude. It was this unwavering support that fueled his decades-long commitment to the program, a debt of gratitude repaid with years of mentorship, laughter, and compassion.
Players, past and present, describe Piotrowicz as a coach who pushes them to reach their fullest potential, but never at the expense of joy. "He pushes us to our fullest potential. He wants us all to do well, and he’s very funny. He’s always making us laugh," said junior forward Summer Santry, whose aunt also played for Piotrowicz. Junior Evelyn Connolly added simply, "He’s the best coach I’ve ever had." The sentiment is echoed by Alanna MacLean, a junior forward from Norwood: "I feel like 'P' plays a big part of our family. Everyone adores him. He’s just so kind to everyone that he’s become such a big role model in our family."
Piotrowicz’s influence is felt not only in the lives of his players but in the very fabric of Fontbonne Academy. Inducted into the Fontbonne Hall of Fame in 2015, he’s seen the program grow and evolve, always maintaining a focus on developing not just athletes, but strong, compassionate individuals. His trademark hill drill, a tradition dating back to his daughters’ playing days, became a rite of passage for every player who came through the program. And through it all, Piotrowicz’s philosophy remained unchanged: everyone had a place on his team, regardless of experience or skill level.
As he prepares to move to Falmouth, Piotrowicz has no intention of severing ties with the program that has meant so much to him. Despite the over 100-mile roundtrip journey, he’s already planning to return to Fontbonne games early next year, eager to cheer on the girls and reconnect with the community that has become like family. The nickname 'P' will continue to echo across Andrews Field, a testament to a man who gave his all for the love of the game and the people who played it.
Piotrowicz’s story is a reminder that the most enduring legacies in sports are not measured in trophies or records, but in the lives touched along the way. His tenure at Fontbonne Academy is marked by resilience in the face of adversity, a deep sense of gratitude, and a commitment to lifting others up. For 34 seasons, he’s been more than a coach—he’s been a mentor, a friend, and a guiding light for countless young women finding their place both on and off the field.
As the Fontbonne Academy girls soccer program turns the page to a new chapter, the imprint of Paul Piotrowicz will remain indelible. The laughter, the life lessons, and even the steep hill at Andrews Field will serve as lasting reminders of a coach whose impact can’t be summed up by a win-loss record. And as long as there’s a game to be played or a player in need of encouragement, you can bet that 'P' will be there in spirit—if not on the sidelines, then certainly in the hearts of all those he’s inspired.
