Jonathan Pollard '97 P'32

Champions of Giving: Jonathan Pollard

Meet the Donor

Jonathan “JP” Pollard ’97, P’32 is an alumnus, Head Baseball Coach, and Associate Head of School at Austin Prep. A 1997 graduate, he returned to campus as a faculty member committed to supporting students across academics, athletics, and leadership.

As Head Baseball Coach, JP has helped build one of the most successful programs in Massachusetts, highlighted by a Division 3 State Championship, undefeated seasons in 2022 and 2024, and an overall coaching record of 102-8 in his first five seasons. While the championships and wins stand as milestones, JP consistently emphasizes the culture behind them: preparation, accountability, resilience, and a team-first mindset that extends well beyond the field.

Earlier in his career, JP served as Austin Prep’s Director of Athletics. Under his direction, Austin Prep teams earned 55 conference championships, 5 state championships, and consecutive Boston Globe Nason Awards recognizing the school as the top Catholic co-educational athletic program in Massachusetts. Today, he also serves as Associate Head of School, where his work continues to center on student growth, program strength, and the overall experience of Austin Prep students.

JP says he was shaped by the adults and mentors who guided him as both a student and a staff member.

 

“I’ve been incredibly blessed, both as a student and as a staff member here at Austin, to have so many people play meaningful roles in my life. Any success I may have had in life is a direct result of the investment these people made in me and the life lessons they provided.”

Beyond campus, JP has served USA Baseball in multiple coaching roles, earning two silver medals at the IBAF Women’s World Cup, a gold medal at the 2015 Pan American Games, and recognition as USA Baseball Developmental Coach of the Year in 2014. He and his wife, Lindsay, are the parents of two boys. Their son Kane, Class of ’32, is currently in 6th grade at Austin Prep, and their younger son, Brooks, is in 5th grade. Family, faith, and education remain central to JP’s daily life, reinforcing his belief in giving back to a community he cares deeply about.

The Inspiration to Give

The opportunity to make a naming gift came when Development approached JP about philanthropy.

“When making my gift to the School, the Office of Development encouraged me to recognize someone with a gift. They suggested some spaces on campus that were available to honor someone important in my life.”

JP recognized that a naming opportunity was not just a label on a door, but a legacy rooted in gratitude. His earliest memories as a student were shaped by adults who guided, challenged, and encouraged him to grow. When presented with the chance to give, he wanted to do something meaningful that would reflect the values he carries today. There was no hesitation.

“It was a no-doubter what I was going to do, and I wanted to honor my mother, Patricia Fitzgerald-Pollard.”

 

JP’s mother spent her career serving children through the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF), the state agency responsible for child protection, foster care, and adoption services.

Now retired, Patricia continues her lifelong commitment to children by working part-time with Pre-K students at St. Monica School in Methuen, Massachusetts. St. Monica provides a faith-centered Catholic foundation and an inclusive, collaborative, family-oriented community where students are supported in achieving their potential. For Patricia, it is a fitting next chapter, staying close to the youngest learners and the values that have shaped her life of service.

“My mother spent her entire professional career working for DCF, most specifically in adoption. She's always spent both her personal and professional life completely in the service of children and helping kids.”

Her work ensured that vulnerable children found safe homes, caring adults, and long-term stability. JP viewed a gift as a naming opportunity to continue his mother's legacy.

The Patricia Fitzgerald-Pollard P'97 Office of Health and Wellness

JP chose to name the space where students receive care, support, counseling, and guidance.

“I chose to honor my mother and her life’s work by naming the Office of Health and Wellness after her. I believe the professionals who work there, and most importantly, the students who are served there, are exactly the kind of people my mother dedicated her life to working with and supporting. She would be proud to be associated with them.”

JP believes schools must care for the whole child. Athletics teach discipline and teamwork. Academics build knowledge and curiosity. Wellness ensures students have the emotional strength and support they need to grow confidently into young adults.

“I felt there's no place in this building that's more important in its support and impact on kids than the Wellness Suite.”

 

The choice also reflects the way JP sees education: real growth happens when students are known, supported, and encouraged during difficult moments.

“Naming the Office of Health and Wellness in honor of my mother was one of the greatest expressions of respect and gratitude I could offer her. It reflects who she has been in her professional life and who she continues to be as a grandmother and a friend. She has truly earned this recognition and deserves to be honored for her selfless commitment to children.”

Today, students enter a space dedicated to well-being, healing, and personal growth, with his mother’s name reminding every visitor of a life spent helping young people find safety, opportunity, and hope. Counselors, coaches, advisors, and teachers frequently refer students to the Wellness Suite when they need a quiet space to talk, reflect, or receive guidance. JP’s gift ensures that space remains a priority in supporting the intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and social needs of students throughout their journey.

Why Giving Matters

JP believes that philanthropy strengthens mission, sustains values, and ensures that future students receive the same care he did as a teenager.

“I believe in Austin, and I think it's a very worthy recipient of philanthropic dollars from our donors. I think we have incredibly important and compelling work that we do here.”

To JP, giving is not simply financial. It is stewardship. It is continuing a tradition of shaping students who are compassionate, thoughtful, and grounded in purpose.

“We are shaping young men and women to become the future leaders of our country and our world. Forming them within a Catholic environment, grounded in our Augustinian values of veritas, unitas, and caritas is essential. The world desperately needs people who carry those values at their core.”

He sees philanthropy as a way to preserve what matters most. Donor support helps create opportunities, expand programs, and guarantee that services like academic support, wellness counseling, faith formation, and student life remain strong.

“Giving back to Austin Prep and ensuring that our School remains at the forefront of Catholic education, while also securing a future filled with promise and meaningful impact on the world, is deeply important. It is a serious responsibility that every member of the Austin Prep community must embrace.”

Above all, JP believes giving is joy.

“For me, giving financially to Austin Prep is both a privilege and a joy, something I eagerly do whenever I have the opportunity. What could be more rewarding than sharing your blessings with others while also honoring and supporting your faith? Talk about money well spent!”

His story is a reminder that generosity is gratitude in action. It is a continuation of lessons learned from people who poured into his life. And it ensures that future generations of students will be supported, known, and inspired in the very same way.

       

Become a Champion of Giving

The article above is part of our Champions of Giving series, which highlights the individuals and families whose generosity transforms student lives and strengthens the Austin Prep experience. You too can be a Champion of Giving by supporting our students through annual giving, memorial scholarships, or campaign contributions. Your gift helps students learn boldly, lead with purpose, and serve with compassion — creating a lasting impact for generations to come.