Marilyn Fitzgerald
Andover High School
Impact Statement
“I knew that every single one of the girls that I coached could do more than she thought she could do and when that day came when they were able to succeed beyond what they believed it was magic.” -Marilyn Fitzgerald
Biography
Fitzgerald retired at the end of the 2018-19 school year after leading her team to another undefeated season and the Massachusetts Division I team championship, the school’s 18th in the last nineteen years. The team finished a perfect 16-0 this past season, running its win streak to 60 straight meets over the last four seasons.
At the state meet, Fitzgerald’s Warriors won seven gold medals in the 12 events, finishing with a dominating 518 points for the program’s fifth straight Division 1 state title.
As reported by the Andover Townsman, after announcing her retirement, Fitzgerald told the team, “Whether we were winning state championships or dealing with devastating news, I have never once regretted being your coach. The wins have been the frosting on the cake to watching you all do more than you thought possible.”
In June of 2020, Fitzgerald was named one of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women honorees. According to the MCSW’s website, “the mission of the Commission is to provide a permanent, effective voice for women and girls across Massachusetts.”
Photos
Community Service
Fitzgerald was also a volunteer at the Merrimack Valley YMCA for decades.
