Gary Donaldson

Gary Donaldson

Gary Donaldson
(Soccer Coach)


In the eleven year period from 1987 through 1998 the Danbury High Boy's Soccer team made seven appearances in the state LL Finals, winning 3 state championships in the process. No other school in the state of Connecticut made more title game appearances during that time than the Hatters led by 2009 inductee Gary Donaldson. That aforementioned period was the "Golden Age" of Danbury soccer but that is only part of the total picture as Gary amassed a career record of 311 wins, 71 losses and 23 ties comprising an impressive winning percentage of .768 over 22 years at the helm of the Hatter booters. During Gary's tenure at DHS the Hatters won 15 divisional titles, secven FCIAC titles, four4 LL runners up titles and three LL State championship titles. During the ‘90's Gary's teams achieved national recognition and were ranked 5th in the country in 1997, 6th in 1990 and 11th in 1998. Gary's individual honors are extensive as well. He was named Coach of the Year in Connecticut three times by various soccer and coaching associations, a team sportsmanship award in 1993 and the Connecticut Soccer Coaches Association Special Coaches Award in 2000. Coach Donaldson retired from coaching in 2000. While his accomplishments as a coach are well chronicled his contribution to the youth of Danbury as a social studies teacher are perhaps more important. He began his teaching career in the Danbury schools in 1969 and stayed for 35 years, at both Broadview and Danbury High School. He was a dynamic teacher who was beloved by his charges until his retirement from the teaching profession in 2004. In retirement Gary stays busy as a youth soccer coach in Woodbury and drives for FISH, which is an organization that drives people unable to drive themselves, to various doctor and hospital appointments. Another of the legendary Danbury High School coaches, welcome Gary Donaldson.