By Angela Tremarco and Sienna Newsome

It is hard to know when to step away from something you love, but after 32 years at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, Sandra Baranowski has announced that this year will be her last.

The school community will be deeply affected as she leaves an outstanding legacy behind. 

Ms. Baranowski graduated from Long Island University while getting her Physical Education degree and playing collegiate softball.

She then brought her knowledge and talents to Bridgewater Raritan High School. 

Starting from 1993, she was a Health and Physical Education Teacher, a multi-sport coach and the advisor for the Fuel Up To Play 60 club. 

Over her years at Bridgewater-Raritan, Ms. Baranowski has coached junior varsity field hockey (93-94), boys’ junior varsity volleyball (93-97), girls’ junior varsity basketball (93-97), and the varsity softball team (98-25). 

Ms. Baranowski reflected on why she took the path of teaching physical education at Bridgewater-Raritan High School. 

“I love being a part of a team and I pride myself on the relationships I have built with the kids,” she said.

During her time as the Bridgewater-Raritan softball coach, Ms. Baranowski led her team to three Somerset County  championships, one sectional championship and multiple conference championships. 

Briana Cacchio, a junior on the Bridgewater-Raritan 2025 softball team, reflected on Ms. Baranowski’s impact on her.

“She brings a different kind of energy and fun to the game that no other coach has,” Cacchio said.

Baranowski has affected many lives in the classroom, on the field, and even outside of the school. 

Evelyn Fresco, one of the captains of this spring’ softball team, spoke about what valuable lessons Ms. Baranowski has taught her.

“Coach B has provided me with opportunities on and off the field to better myself. She allows me to take a leadership role and build my leadership skills,” Fresco mentioned.

Not only is Ms. Baranowski an inspiration to students but also to her colleagues. 

Kristin Bonczek, a Health and Physical Education Teacher and the junior varsity softball coach at Bridgewater Raritan High School, had nothing but wonderful things to say about her companion and colleague, Ms. Baranowski. 

“Coach B has not only been one of the best colleagues and bosses I have had the privilege of working with, but she has also become a wonderful friend. She taught me the importance of flexibility, how to create a strong classroom environment that has a foundation of mutual respect and understanding with students, and she has been a role model that I strive to exemplify,” Bonczek said. 

Along with teaching and coaching, Baranowski used the rest of her time to run the Fuel Up to Play 60 club. This club was started in 2017 and aimed to get kids involved in physical activity every day.  They hosted events such as the turkey bowl, volleyball tournaments and handball tournaments, which all focused on improving students’ health and wellness. It was roaring every year with at least 80 members who looked forward to these yearly events. 

After retiring, Baranowski plans to enjoy her summer at the Jersey shore and take six months off before entering the next chapter of her life. 

Ms. Baranowski reflected on what she is most excited about for her retirement.

“You know the thing I am most excited for is to not have to wake up to an alarm every day,” she said.

She will continue to run camps outside of Bridgewater Raritan High School including a softball, basketball and kickball camp for young aspiring athletes.

Baranowski has had a tremendous impact on the Bridgewater Raritan High School community over the last 32 years and will stand as a future model for teachers and coaches. 

She will kick off her last softball season on April 1 against Bernards High School, hoping to take home the trophy one last season.