I played for Bill for four years at St Joe's. During that time period a number of things became abundantly clear. Bill cared for each one of his players as if they were his own child. Even the weakest, slowest, most unskilled player had a place on Bill's team and more importantly in Bill's heart. Bill had a way of uniting people, individuals who would not, or could not get along in everyday life, somehow fused together to create a successful team. People who seemed to have nothing more in common than knowing Bill Fletcher came together and achieved monumental goals.
Bill was a great soccer coach to be sure; but it was not his knowledge of the game that made him great, for Bill, it was about people. Bill had a way of inspiring young men, getting them to believe. Not so much in him or his program, but in themselves and each other. Bill did not teach soccer, so much as he taught life. Bill taught boys how to be men, not in the machismo sense, rather, he provided a living example of how to mature and become a responsible, man. He inspired many of us who needed a kick in the ass. He made us better than we had ever been, and in many ways will ever be again. Bill, certainly inspired me. I coach and teach, largely because of the inspiration provided to me by Bill Fletcher.
I know we all feel a tremendous loss. We have lost a coach, a friend, and a mentor. But we should all take with us the lessons that we learned from Bill. He will forever be a part of us, and together we carry on his the legacy. It is a tremendous gift, but also tremendous responsibility. Take it, use it and pass it on, so that others may know the gifts that Bill left behind.

Scott Platz
St. Joseph Catholic High School 1997