Put Me In…As A Coach

Put+Me+In...As+A+Coach

Former Potomac Falls powerhouse athlete returns to help coach.   

Being a part of a high school sports team is like being a part of a legacy. Each season leaves a lasting impact on the school, whether it’s winning a state championship or having the most wins in program history. Every player leaves behind a story and changes the way the program operates. Some players have been so impacted by the sport that they return after college to continue the legacy from a different position. 

Five years after graduating from Potomac Falls, special education teacher John Fischetti returned to help coach football and basketball in 2018. During his time as a student, Fischetti was a member of the varsity football, varsity basketball, and varsity baseball teams. “One of my goals is to help the athletes achieve more than I did while I played here,” said Fischetti. 

Being able to have a coach that is younger and can relate to the game from a player and coaching perspective is unique. It helps to add to the idea of building a legacy program.  “I know how important a coach can be for someone, so potentially being a role model for the student athletes I coach is definitely one of my favorite parts about coaching,” said Fischetti.

Fischetti has had the opportunity to gain knowledge from highly respected coaches such as two time basketball state championship coach Jeff Hawes and football coach Mike Gims, who was the coach when Fischetti played. His time as a player at Potomac Falls has allowed him to have better connections with some of the players. 

“It feels like talking to an upperclassman player, rather than a coach,” said junior Ryan Miles. “He understands how us players feel in situations that other coaches wouldn’t be able to see.”

Miles got pulled up from JV to varsity at the end of basketball season last year, along with two other sophomores, Nolan Levenhagen and Aiden Carrillo. 

Fischetti is not only helping with the basketball team, but he is also working with the football team. He has taken the position as freshman head coach and also is helping with varsity.

“He knows the system and understands which plays will work and which ones won’t because he has been in the same position as us,” said varsity football player sophomore Neil Ghadiali.