Coach Franny Gerardi (Photo Provided)
To promote accountability and respect among student-athletes, Ms. Franny Gerardi, the Assistant Girls’ Hockey coach at Northwood School, has implemented a new initiative in the fitness center. Recognizing the need for a more organized space, she has hung up photos showing the expected condition of the gym after use. This initiative aims to put students into better habits and create a stronger sense of community among Northwood’s athletic teams.
“I was often frustrated when my girls would come in to lift, and the fitness center was a mess,” Gerardi said. “This initiative is not just about cleanliness; it’s about building respect and accountability. I believe that if we all take care of this space together, it will strengthen our school community,” Gerardi added.
The results of this initiative have been great so far, with Gerardi noting, “I’m already seeing positive results. The photos serve as helpful reminders for students to put things back in their place. It’s about taking ownership of the space we all share.”
The idea came from her observations during fitness center training sessions, where equipment was often left scattered, and the gym was often being used improperly. “This space is incredibly important for the progression of our athletes,” Gerardi said. “We need to keep it nice for everyone who uses it, from the girls’ hockey team to the boys’ hockey team and soccer players.”
Students have responded positively to the changes. Sophia DeAnzeris ‘25, a member of the girls’ hockey team, shared her opinion on Gerardi’s changes, “I think the changes to the fitness center are definitely a good addition. We have a nice big gym that everyone in the school uses, and it stays a lot nicer when everything is put back into place and kept neat and clean. As a team, I think it is now the expectation to keep the fitness center organized the way it should be.”
Gerardi’s initiative aims to improve the physical state of the fitness center and to bring together the student-athlete community at Northwood School. “When we show each other respect by keeping our shared space clean, we’re setting an example for all students,” Gerardi remarked. “It’s about accountability, teamwork, and taking pride in our school.”
With these changes, Franny Gerardi is making moves towards not just a cleaner fitness center but a better and more respectful athletic community at Northwood School. The impact of her initiative may well extend beyond the gym, teaching values that can last a lifetime.
