Maura Fletcher, coach for Newtown High School girls’ lacrosse, was awarded the South-West Conference’s 2025 Outstanding Coach Award and was recognized at the SWC Leadership Event at Vazzano’s Four Seasons in Stratford on May 1.

Fletcher, The Newtown Bee’s 2015 Sportsman of the Year, is in her second stint with the lacrosse team and has helped guide the Nighthawks to numerous conference championships, most recently in 2023, but it is about more than winning for the 18-year Newtown coach, who credited her fellow coaches, players, and support of Athletic Director Matt Memoli and Principal Dr Kimberly Longobucco.

Steph Suhoza is co-head coach of the team and the staff includes Lou Santoli, Rylee Harrell, and Colleen Phaneuf, along with volunteer JV Coach Mark Felch.

“Really nice to be recognized, especially by other people in our conference. “I could coach to the clouds but if the kids aren’t willing to give back, work hard, be resilient I wouldn’t get this award,” Fletcher said.

Fletcher wants her team to do well and finds areas of improvement needed even in lopsided victories.

“I think I expect a lot from them but I also respect them and the time they put in — and the effort they put in,” said Fletcher, adding that all a coach can ask for is 100 percent effort.

The wins and losses will take care of themselves depending on competition and the bounce of the ball.

“We really spend a lot of time talking about the life lessons that sports teaches young athletes,” said Fletcher, noting that less than ten percent of high school athletes go on to play in college but the things they learn — how to be a good teammate, being grateful for their abilities and what they possess, and understanding there is always somebody faster, or seemingly with more of something, for example — helps throughout life.

“It has been amazing working with Maura for the last eight or so years. To better lay the dynamic out, our relationship goes way back before I started coaching with her,” Suhoza said.

Fletcher was Suhoza’s first lacrosse coach in second grade and continued to coach her throughout high school at NHS. “She has always been an incredible mentor of mine, on and off the field. Her team when I played for her had a lot of success in those early years back in 2006-2010 and it has been incredible to see the sport through the new lens — especially hers that comes with so much experience and insight. She brings a tremendous amount of passion for the girls and the sport. She has been in the game for many years and not many can adapt to how the sport has changed the way she has.”

Suhoza points out that Fletcher has played with a wooden stick (today’s are made of plastic) and coached when lacrosse did not have out of bounds lines and has continued with the sport under the current rules and technology that have really changed the game.

“She has learned each aspect so the knowledge and drive to be better each day really starts with her wanting to improve, not just her making the girls improve. People may see this fierce dedicated coach on the sideline, but it is a privilege to see the behind-the-scenes aspect that Maura brings. The early morning/late night texting, planning, scouting games or social media for the next great drill and most importantly making sure we are doing what is best for each player on our roster,” Suhoza added.

“Talking through each play to better understand how she shapes the plays a certain way has shown me the thought she puts in for the team to be successful while still supporting the girls’ growth as players and people,” Suhoza said. “I have gained a lot of knowledge and insight that I continue to learn from her each day and really value those lessons on and off the field.”

The lacrosse team carried a record of 9-5 into the final couple games of the regular season — then it is on to the playoffs for Fletcher and company.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.