Beth Sarnacki Inducted into National High School Athletic Coaches Association (NHSACA) Hall of Fame

Fairfield, Connecticut - The National High School Athletic Coaches Association (NHSACA) has bestowed a momentous honor upon Coach Maribeth Sarnacki as she is inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Coach Beth Sarnacki has left an indelible mark on the high school sports community in Connecticut, making her induction a fitting tribute to her unwavering dedication and exceptional coaching abilities.

Coach Sarnacki's coaching journey began with humble beginnings as a teacher at Portland High School, Connecticut. Despite facing financial challenges, she embraced her teaching role while working two part-time jobs to make ends meet. It was during this time that her true passion for mentoring and guiding young minds became evident.

"I was approached by the Athletic Director G. Riley from Portland HS, where I taught, to co-chair the cheer program and take it over the following year," Coach Saranacki reminisces about her initial foray into coaching. "I told him I had no experience, and his response was, 'But you're good with students.'" This simple but profound statement paved the way for her coaching career to take flight.

From those early days, Coach Sarnacki's commitment to her student-athletes has been unwavering. "The student-athletes wanted not just a coach but a mentor, someone they could look up to, have some fun but learn how not just to be a good student-athlete but a good person," she reflects on her philosophy and approach to coaching.

Her move to Cromwell High School marked a new chapter in her coaching journey, where she continued to inspire young athletes. Jake Salafia, the AD at Cromwell, recognized Coach Sarnacki's reputation and convinced her to take charge of Cross Country, Soccer, Basketball Cheerleading, Outdoor Track and Field, and even serve as a volunteer for the football education coordinator. This allowed her to fully immerse herself in the schools she taught in, shaping her coaching philosophy further.

To foster growth and development in her student-athletes, Coach Sarnacki relied on innovative coaching techniques. "By using visuals as much as possible, I brought student-athletes to watch others in competition and then discussed what they did versus what they were or were not doing," she explains. Her focus on knowledge transfer and building a strong belief system within the team has led to numerous successes.

Coach Sarnacki's influence extended beyond the playing field. Recognizing the importance of community involvement, she encouraged her student-athletes to be active participants in their community. Mock interviews with college representatives and instilling the belief that "I yell because I care!" and "BELIEVE" helped shape well-rounded individuals, both as athletes and citizens.

Her dedication to her student-athletes goes above and beyond the norm. "Be a part of the student-athlete lives inside and outside of the sport," she emphasizes. This includes sending birthday cards, anniversary wishes, and celebrating important milestones in their lives. Coach Saranacki's caring nature has left a lasting impact on her athletes, teaching them the true essence of being part of a team.

With an impressive coaching record that boasts multiple state cheer championships and outdoor track and cross country titles, Coach Beth Sarnacki stands as a symbol of excellence in the Connecticut coaching community. Her accolades include being Connecticut cheer coach of the year in 2004, a national finalist for Special Sports coach of the year in 2011, and receiving the Thomas R Monahan Honor Award in 2012. Her induction into the Connecticut High School Coaches association Hall of Fame is yet another testament to her unparalleled commitment to the growth and success of her athletes.

As she takes her rightful place in the NHSACA Hall of Fame, Coach Sarnacki's legacy will continue to inspire and shape generations of athletes to come. "Cromwell High School in Cromwell, CT, is where your heart is - it is not a place," Coach Sarnacki fondly shares her favorite movie quote, "There is no place like home," emphasizing the special place her school and students hold in her heart.

The NHSACA is a prestigious organization dedicated to providing instruction and training to high school and middle school coaches in the United States, aiming to enhance the capabilities of both new and veteran coaches. Click on the button below to learn more about the NHSACA Hall of Fame.