10 AQUINAS LANDMARK | SUMMER 2026 athletics in action Connected by the Maroon & White HOME TEAM ADVANTAGE “As an Aquinas alumna, this school gave me experiences, friendships, and memories that will stay with me for a lifetime. Returning as a coach is my way of giving back and helping create those same opportunities for the next generation of students and athletes. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a place that had such a positive impact on my life.” – EMILY WOLAK ’18, GIRLS VARSITY SOCCER COACH Alumni remain connected to Aquinas in countless ways. They return for reunions, support school events, mentor students, volunteer their time, and continue investing in the community that helped shape them. For more than 35 alumni, that connection also includes coaching. Having once worn the maroon and white themselves, these alumni now mentor the next generation of Li’l Irish from the sidelines, the gymnasium, the field, the ring, and the court. Their firsthand experiences as Aquinas student-athletes allow them to lead with school pride, tradition, and a genuine understanding of what it means to represent AQ. “I felt a calling to return to Aquinas, to give back to the program that gave me so much. It shaped me as a player and was the catalyst for many incredible experiences throughout my soccer career. I’m honored to now lead the next generation of young men and provide them with an experience that mirrors what it feels like to represent your home country in soccer. Time to get to work!” – KONRAD ZYDOWICZ ‘13, BOYS VARSITY SOCCER HEAD COACH For these coaches, returning to Aquinas is about more than teaching a sport. It is an opportunity to give back to a community that helped shape who they are. They understand the traditions, values, and sense of belonging that make Aquinas special because they experienced them firsthand as students. Many still remember the coaches who challenged them, encouraged them, and helped shape the people they would become. Now, they strive to have that same impact on today’s student-athletes. Konrad Zydowicz ’13 Emily Wolak ’18 (front row #7) Emily Wolak ’18 (middle) THEN NOW THEN NOW NOTE OF GRATITUDE While this feature celebrates the many alumni who have returned to coach, we are equally grateful for every member of our coaching staff. Whether they once wore the maroon and white or joined the Aquinas family in another way, each coach plays an important role in mentoring our student-athletes and advancing the mission of Aquinas. Thank you to ALL of our coaching staff!
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTcyNDA=