Meet The Founder
Don is the founder and Executive Director of Bridgeport Youth Lacrosse (BYL) and current Head Coach at Notre Dame High School in Fairfield. At BYL, he is a certified coach/mentor and responsible for the day-to-day operations of all programs, including overseeing staff and volunteers. Since 2006, BYL has provided lacrosse training through clinics, travel teams, and in-house leagues to underserved, underrepresented youth in the Bridgeport metro area.
In 2009, the Fairfield County Sports Commission recognized Don as Sports-Person-of-the-Year for Bridgeport. Additionally, BYL’s commitment to growing the game and building a cultural and grassroots program in Bridgeport was recognized on June 11, 2012, by the Western Lacrosse Officials Association (WCLOA). Further, Don has been recognized by the City of Bridgeport’s mayor and called a “Local Hero” by US Senator Richard Blumenthal on February 17, 2018. Continued accolades include receiving a Diversity Award from The WorkPlace and BYL’s Sports for Peace Summer Enrichment Camp’s recognition by The Honorable Board of Police Commissioners in October of 2019.
Don continues to give back to his community through his volunteer service with PT Partners, an initiative for self-determination for residents in low-income public housing, as a member of their executive board; he serves on the board of The Future School – a new initiative for positive education in Bridgeport; and Green Village Initiative, focusing on community gardening – where BYL maintains a plot.