WOODBURY — For Nonnewaug boys basketball head coach Tim Fitzpatrick, the days can seem endless: Fitzpatrick works by day managing a family law firm, while at night he tries to lead the Chiefs toward a tournament run. 

“It doesn’t leave time for a lot of things from November to April, such as doing laundry or cooking,” said Fitzpatrick. “I like to take Sundays for personal time, but then again I still want to be in the gym; I always want to be in the gym with the team.” 

The passion that Fitzpatrick has developed for both law and basketball is second to none; however, how do they translate to one another, and where does the love for both come from? 

“For basketball, the passion came a lot from my father [Ned]. My brother [Kyle] and I used to watch UConn men’s basketball games in the living room with my dad,” said Fitzpatrick. “We would all go nuts.”

For Fitzpatrick and his brother, this love for basketball began just down the road in Naugatuck. 

“My father also coached Kyle and I in basketball in Naugatuck, where I grew up,” Fitzpatrick said.

It was there that the family’s roots would bring hoops and law together onto the same court – and eventually would lead both brothers to coach Nonnewaug basketball together. 

“My dad was also an inspiration for me when it came to getting into law,” Fitzpatrick said. “Now we work together at the firm. The passion for both basketball and law just comes from seeing both our clients getting the outcome they want in their court case and seeing my students win on the court.”  

Fitzpatrick’s calm, cool, and collected demeanor as a lawyer stays consistent during the boys basketball season. He doesn’t yell a lot and stays calm in intense situations. The courtroom mentality seems to transition right onto the basketball court. 

“As someone who’s been on the team for the longest, I can notice that calm factor [Fitzpatrick] brings to our games, especially when we’re in close game situations,” said Carson Buck, a senior.  

Beneath Fitzpatrick’s tranquil persona is a fire that’s propelled and motivated both him and his brother.

Tim’s younger brother and assistant coach Kyle used the tireless Fitzpatrick work ethic to earn a walk-on spot playing at his dream school: UConn.

“Outwork everybody,” Kyle Fitzpatrick said of his key to making the team. “From a talent standpoint, I wasn’t the most talented.”

The younger Fitzpatrick had other options to play in college, but according to Kyle, “I wanted to put the work in and go to UConn.”

Both Fitzpatrick brothers are linked by their focus which allows them to lock in on the task at hand. This is especially important for Tim as he juggles a life as both attorney and coach.

Even though Tim Fitzpatrick has a challenging work schedule, he doesn’t let that stress weigh into practice and games. He always shows up to get better and brings energy with him, and it doesn’t go unnoticed. 

“He always has a positive attitude and gives us energy,” said Ben Roden, the senior captain, “and he’s really supported me whenever I needed something.”

Junior center Matthew Shupenis agrees.

“His determination being a lawyer and still having enough time for basketball is something really admirable,” Shupenis said. 

Coach Chris O’Brien, a volunteer coach on the basketball team, emphasizes that he and Fitzpatrick work really well together. 

“Coach Fitzpatrick is very knowledgeable and loves the players,” said O’Brien. “We have a great relationship. He asks for input and accepts my input, which is really nice.”