It’s never easy to step away from something you love — but after 32 years of shaping students both on the field and in the classroom, beloved educator and varsity softball coach Sandra Baranowski has announced that this school year will be her last at Bridgewater-Raritan High School.
Her departure marks the end of an era. Baranowski has become a pillar of the school community, leaving behind an exceptional legacy in both athletics and education — and impacting countless lives along the way.
Baranowski graduated from Long Island University with a degree in physical education while playing collegiate softball. She brought that knowledge and competitive spirit to Bridgewater-Raritan High School, where she began her career in 1993 as a health and physical education teacher. Over the years, she also served as a multi-sport coach and advisor to the Fuel Up to Play 60 club.
At Bridgewater-Raritan, Baranowski coached junior varsity field hockey (1993–94), boys junior varsity volleyball (1993–97), girls junior varsity basketball (1993–97), and the varsity softball team from 1998 to 2025.
Reflecting on why she chose a career in physical education, Baranowski says, “I love being a part of a team, and I pride myself on the relationships I have built with the kids.”
As head coach of the varsity softball team, she led the program to three Somerset County championships, one sectional title and multiple conference championships — building a legacy of success, resilience and team spirit.
Briana Cacchio, a junior on the 2025 softball team, says, "She brings a different kind of energy and fun to the game that no other coach has."
But Baranowski’s influence extended far beyond the field. She inspired students in the classroom and beyond the school walls through the life lessons she modeled every day.
Evelyn Fresco, one of the team’s captains, says Baranowski helped her grow both as an athlete and a leader.
“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 says.
Baranowski also served as a role model for fellow educators. Kristin Bonczek, a health and physical education teacher and junior varsity softball coach, praises Baranowski not only as a mentor but also as a friend.
“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,” Bonczek says. “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.”
In addition to teaching and coaching, Baranowski dedicated her time to running the Fuel Up to Play 60 club, which she launched in 2017. The club’s goal was to promote daily physical activity among students. Events like the Turkey Bowl, volleyball tournaments and handball competitions helped boost student engagement and wellness. The club consistently drew more than 80 members each year.
Looking ahead, Baranowski plans to relax and recharge. She’ll be spending her summer at the Jersey Shore and taking six months off before deciding what’s next.
“You know, the thing I am most excited for is to not have to wake up to an alarm every day,” she says with a smile.
She will continue to stay active by running camps outside of Bridgewater-Raritan High School, including softball, basketball and kickball programs for young aspiring athletes.
Sandra Baranowski’s legacy at Bridgewater-Raritan is one of leadership, dedication and passion. Her influence will continue to resonate through the students, athletes and colleagues she’s inspired over the last three decades.