LANCASTER, N.Y. (WKBW) — Celebrating 700 wins is a feat, not many coaches can say they have conquered, but St. Mary's head volleyball coach Don Pieczynski is now a member of the club.
Pieczynski also secured his legacy as one of the winningest coaches here in Western New York.
I was there to capture the moment and learn more about the impact his almost two-decade coaching career has left on the Lancers.
Coach "Donnie" has been head coach of the program since 2007. Before that, he was assistant coach from 1999 to 2006.
"We try to instill a stronger work ethic, along with teamwork, that will take you a long way," said Pieczynski." Desire is the fuel that makes the player."
His dedication to the sport of volleyball is said to be unmatched.
"I have seen him study film like I've never seen anybody else do before," St. Mary's High School Volleyball Class of 2002 Lindsey Fattey said. "We would play a match and by the next morning, he would have already watched that match three times over and have all the stats figured out and kind of have his game plan for our next match going forward."
"He is great at motivating them. He is great at encouraging them. It is the right amount of tough love to just bring out the best in his players," Fattey said.
Current Captain Jadyn Dains told me it is an absolute privilege to be led by a legend.
"I'm so proud of him," said Dains. "It just makes us to happy that we pushed ourselves. We did this for him and we work for him, each and every day on this court."
After high school, Dains plans to take her skills to the collegiate level.
"We are the top team in the state and it is because of him. He pushes us so hard, everyday in practice. It does pay off. It is such an honor and such a blessing to be coached by Coach Donnie," Dains said.
"Each team tries to create their own legacy and I want to make sure they don't fall short of it," Coach Donnie added.
The team has won 70 matches in a row since last season.
The team's next game will take place at Mount Mercy Academy, on October 1.
Coach Donnie and Fattey are both members of the St. Mary's High School Hall of Fame.
