Coach Lou Bonacci is entering his 20th season as a coach of the NDCL Softball team. 

From 2006-2013, Bonacci served as a volunteer assistant coach and off-season winter/fall softball coach. For six years from 2014-2020, he was the Varsity Assistant Softball coach. In 2021, Bonacci was the Assistant JV Coach and from 2021 and from 2022 to present he serves as the Head JV Softball coach.  

Since 2006, Bonacci has been part of the development of eight players that went on to play collegiate softball.  

Beyond the field, Lou has served a lifetime as an attorney in Cuyahoga County. You can also find Coach Bonacci at many NDCL sporting events during the school year serving as a ticket taker for the Athletic Department. 

Q: How many seasons have you coached (head or assistant coach) at NDCL and for what sports? 

A: 19 seasons with the NDCL softball program. 

Q: How many years have you been employed at NDCL and what about the school that has led you to staying for that many years? 

A: 18 years. The role of molding young adults into adults, servant-leaders who are caring examples of our faith and rigorous academic standards. Also being able to coach highly competitive softball program including the opportunity to work with and learn from experienced coaches: Jack McParland, Bruno Biello, Tiger Alexander. 

Q: What do you enjoy most about being a high school coach?    

A: Interacting with student athletes, helping students develop their softball skills, sharing passion for softball and good sportsmanship 

Q: What are some highlights or memorable moments/performances of your NDCL coaching career?    

A: Taking pride in seeing our program succeed by enabling many students to pursue college careers. Since the inception of the Fastpitch program in 2000, the program has had one player per year accomplish this achievement.  

-The honor of contributing, if only in a small way, to multiple sectional and district championships 

-Celebrating with my daughter Deana ('08), achieving all-conference status 

-Meeting and befriending so many NDCL families, as a parent and coach over the years 

Q: What are some of your 2024 goals for your Softball team this season?   

A: Working hard each day on the process of improving softball skills of each player and developing a team that works cohesively and genuinely cares for one another.