Congrats, Coach Bednarsky!

By Alice Roche Cody

The kudos keep coming for Gill St. Bernard's boys' soccer team, with Head Coach Tony Bednarsky recognized as the 2020 Coach of the Year. The honor was announced Dec. 15, 2020, by the United Soccer Coaches, the largest soccer coaches' organization world-wide.

"This is a well-deserved recognition," said Athletic Director Will Taylor. "What Tony has accomplished in his career at GSB is incredible. The number of wins does not even come close to his ability as a coach and the care he shows for his players. Coach Bednarsky is a Gill icon."

The 2020 Coach of the Year honor covers the East Region of boys' high schools in the private and parochial sector and marks his 32-year coaching career GSB. He will be honored at the virtual High School Coaches reception held Jan. 11-16, 2021.

Under Coach Bednarsky's leadership, the Knights wrapped up its undefeated season ranked first in the state by nj.com and fourth in the nation by the United Soccer Coaches. With its final 3-2 game victory over Pingry on Nov. 21, 2020, the team also captured the Central West, Non-Public Section Title.

Coach Bednarsky's recognition comes on the heels of the United Soccer Coaches naming Micaah Garnette '21 to the 2020 High School Boys All-American Team earlier in the week.

For Head of School Sid Rowell, the awards cap off a stellar season. "All of us at Gill St. Bernard's are justifiably proud of the achievements of our boys' soccer team this year," he said. "In particular, the special recognition of both Head Coach Tony Bednarsky and senior Micaah Garnette makes clear that our program is truly the best in the state this year."

Go, Knights!