When you think of Ludlow, one thing often comes to mind: Soccer. Although our town may not be more than another name on a map to many outside the area, if anybody has heard of the accomplishments of Ludlow, it is likely a result of how successful our soccer team has been. 

Although there have been many factors that may have contributed to our success, such as a plethora of skillful players or rigorous training, the only constant throughout the Lion’s history has been one man.

Head Coach Greg Kolodziey.

Born and raised in Ludlow, Kolodziey’s introduction to the beautiful game was similar to many of ours. He was seemingly born with a ball at his feet and began playing soccer at five years old, in the Ludlow Youth Organization. 

As he grew older and matured into a sharp young man, his skills became clearly evident and quickly separated him from those around him. With the aid of coaches such as McKay, Dias, Bertini, Chaves, Alves, and Nascimento, Kolodziey was able to refine his skills before sporting a varsity jersey and starring for the Lions under coaches Antonio (Tony) Goncalves and Jack Vilaca.

His talents were not limited to soccer. Kolodziey earned All Western Mass selections in three sports, including soccer, basketball, and baseball during his time as a Lion. 

When asked about how his experience as a Lion on the pitch may correlate to something a student athlete may experience now, Kolodziey highlighted the importance of pride and history. 

“Our class knew the history of the program, and nowadays the kids know the history,” he said. “So when you put on a Ludlow shirt, you play for not only your current team, but for all the teams and players who have contributed to Ludlow’s great soccer past.”  

A Change of Scenery

Following his high school soccer career, Kolodziey took his talents to Syracuse, New York where he would start for the Orange as a freshman. 

He became an immediate threat for ‘Cuse, who recently defeated Indiana to win the National Championship in the 2022 NCAA Division I men’s soccer tournament, recording three goals and two assists his first year (1983). 

His tallies continued to rise as his sophomore season saw him logging ten goals and two assists while also being named a Big East All-Star and a member of the BIG EAST All-Tournament Team (1984).

His junior year, Kolodziey had another stellar season with four goals and four assists in his third straight season as a starter. In addition, the team finished their season as Big East Champions (1985).

His senior season, however, was one for the record books as it is tied for second on Syracuse’s season record list. He set the Orange season record for goals scored with 18 while also recording three assists.

For his efforts, Kolodziey was again named to the Big East All-Star list,  an All New York State recipient, and a participant in the Senior Bowl (1986).

Through hard work and incredible consistency at the highest level, Kolodziey remains fourth at Syracuse in career goals scored (35) and is ranked fourth in career points (82) to this day.

Giving Back to the Community

After a successful four years at Syracuse, Kolodziey returned to Ludlow to begin what would become a legacy. 

In the fall of 1987, he volunteered to help with the program and later became the coach of Ludlow’s junior varsity team. Upon the retirement of Coach Tony Goncalves in 2007, a spot opened up for the head coach position of the varsity team. 

With an exceptional resume and years of experience under his belt, it was only right that Greg Kolodziey would be the next man in line for the job. 

Although he would have big shoes to fill, those around him knew that he was more than prepared.

Since taking over the head coaching position, Kolodziey has led the Lions to countless state championships and Western Mass titles as well as a national ranking of eighth from the United Soccer Coaches during the 2012 season. 

On top of coaching the varsity squad, Kolodziey has dedicated extensive time to the development of the youth players who hope to one day wear maroon and white. 

I’ll never forget the days many years ago when I would wake up bright and early to attend the soccer camps held by the Western Mass Pioneers. I eagerly opened the car door everyday, and everyday I would be greeted by the same smiling face, rain or shine.

Kolodziey’s passion for the sport and his love for helping others was infectious and even though I was still young, it was not hard to tell that he positively impacted every person that he interacted with. 

In order to properly understand how Kolodziey’s character has allowed him to have an impact on the community, I asked Ludlow’s Athletic Director, Tim Brillo, to describe Coach Kolodziey in one word.

“Dedicated,” said Brillo.

While there may not be enough words to describe Coach Greg’s personality, Mr. Brillo chose this word as it is the closest thing we have to describe his commitment to our community. 

Throughout his nearly 4 decade tenure (38 years) as a coach for the Lions— 16 years of which were at the head coach position of the varsity squad— Kolodziey has  “fostered a tradition of excellence, skill development, and community pride that will be remembered for years to come,” according to Brillo. 

“We’re Flying”

As previously stated, Coach K is no stranger to success. I could go through and list all of Coach Greg’s accomplishments as the head coach of the Lions, however, this article would double in length. 

Therefore, most recently in the 2018 season, he earned his fourth state championship and was named the United Soccer Massachusetts large school boys coach of the year. 

Achievements such as this would not be possible without hard work, dedication, and most importantly, perseverance. I could not convey the content of Greg’s unbreakable character without discussing his recovery, if you can call it that, to a medical episode that would have permanently sidelined many. 

In early December of 2023, I left school in a rush on a Friday after finishing a stressful week, anxiously awaiting what the weekend had in store. I had just arrived home and settled into my bed as I began to read a notification on my phone. Holding back tears, my heart sank as I had just learned that Coach Kolodziey was in the hospital after suffering a major heart attack. 

Devastated, I began to talk with my teammates about what we could do to help.

After various texts, messages, and calls, Greg was on the road to recovery and back on the field in the blink of an eye. 

Shortly after his injury, I learned that Coach K had been struggling with severe pains throughout the course of our season. However, I had never heard him complain once. Regardless of the pain, he was still always the first at practice and the last to leave. His passion and love of the game never waned and I had not once heard him say “I can’t” or “I need a break.” 

This dedication to the team and our program served as an example to us players and showed us what it meant to be a Lion. 

Upon his return, he led his team to yet another successful season where the Lions finished with an overall record of 18-1-2 and managed to secure a third consecutive Western Massachusetts title as well as his 200th career win.

Greg’s willingness to fight for a cause and put the team over his own well-being inspired many. One of the many players deeply affected by Kolodziey’s tenacity was senior goalkeeper Anthony Shea. 

The senior had been Coach Kolodziey’s top choice since his sophomore season and the two shared a close relationship that allowed them to always be on the same page.

When asked about how Coach K made an impact on his athletic career, Shea emphasized that “his perseverance to overcome hardships, his dedication to not only myself, but all of his athletes, and his drive to win” assisted in his development; not only as a player on the field, but also as a student, friend, and young man off the field. 

These past three years as a player on Ludlows varsity soccer team under Coach Kolodziey have taught me many valuable lessons. 

First, I have learned not to take things for granted.

Whether it be teammates who come and go or even the man who has coached you your whole life, enjoy and cherish every moment as if it is your last because someday it will be.

Next, I have learned that the bond a team makes off the field is just as important as the one they have on the field. 

Throughout my years as a Lion, I rarely remember those brisk October nights when we lifted trophies or celebrated. It is the times when the whole team bonded as a group over a team dinner or other event, that remain fresh in my mind. 

Lastly, I have learned what it means to be a Lion.

Because of Coach Kolodziey, I have grown my love for the sport I’ve played my whole life and found a new appreciation for what it takes to be successful.

I look forward to my final season as a Lion and will hold on to the countless memories I have made with my friends along the way.

Go Lions.