Marilyn Fitzgerald Named 2020 Commonwealth Heroine

ANDOVER, MA — Andover's Marilyn Fitzgerald was recognized as a 2020 Commonwealth Heroine Wednesday. Fitzgerald was the head coach of Andover's dominant girls' swim and dive program from 1992 until her retirement in 2018.

She is also a decades-long volunteer at the Merrimack Valley YMCA and sits on the YMCA's board.

The annual Commonwealth Heroines celebration recognizes women from across the state who "perform unheralded acts daily that make our homes, neighborhoods, cities and towns better places to live." State legislators are responsible for recommending women within their districts for the honor. Fitzerald was nominated by state Rep. Frank Moran.

"Marilyn is extremely dedicated to ensuring that the future generation of our communities is
growing to their full potential," the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, which gives out the honor, wrote. "Her dedicated time as an educator in our community has
been a blessing to so many students, faculty and staff members that interact with her on a
daily basis."

Fitzgerald led the swim team to 18 state championships, closing her tenure with five consecutive titles and an undefeated season. She was named the 2019 National Girls’ Swim Coach of the Year by the National High School Coaches Association.

Click here for the full list of Commonwealth Heroines.