When a struggling student worked with teacher Paul Godinho in the study hall room D102 at SC, the student began to gradually improve his grades. Godinho, also the coach of the student’s soccer team, supported the student on and off the field. Eventually, the student brought that same growth to the soccer field as a leader.

“Seeing the impact of our work together in study hall translated into his commitment and performance as a player was a proud moment for me,” Godinho said. “It reminded me of the powerful role a coach and teacher can have in shaping a young person’s path, both academically and athletically.”

After being a staff member for 29 years, Godinho will retire at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. Advising study hall at SC, managing the SC Corral, and coaching multiple sports—most notably boys’ and girls’ soccer, as well as bowling—he will continue to coach after retiring from teaching. 

“I’ll deeply miss the day-to-day connection with the LT community,” Godinho said. “Being part of the school as both an educator and coach has given me a unique bond with students and staff that goes beyond just the field. I’ll miss the shared routines, the spontaneous hallway conversations, and the chance to support students in multiple facets of their lives. It’s those everyday interactions and the spirit of being fully immersed in the school that I’ll miss the most.”

As head freshman girls’ soccer, head sophomore boys’ soccer, and JV bowling coach, Godinho is heavily involved in the athletics program. 

“My favorite part about working at LT has been the chance to mentor and coach students, helping them grow both on and off the field,” Godinho said. “Seeing young people discover their strengths, develop confidence, and work together as a team has been incredibly rewarding. I love being a part of their journey and watching them develop not only as athletes but as individuals. Over the years, the relationships I’ve built with students, fellow coaches, and staff have made this place feel like a second family.”

In 2021, Godinho was named the Illinois Boys Soccer Coach of the Year for his contributions and successes during the season.

“[The award] was a huge honor, as it recognized the hard work and dedication that our team put into each season,” Godinho said. “Beyond awards, though, my most meaningful accomplishments are the relationships I’ve built, the life lessons I’ve been able to pass on, and the moments when I’ve seen my students and athletes grow, achieve, and overcome challenges. It’s been incredibly rewarding to be part of their journeys and watch them thrive.”

Allie Hennessy ‘26, a player on the freshman girls’ soccer team coached by Godinho, will remember him for his inspirational messages. Once, during a soccer team meeting, Godinho crumpled a $20 bill to prove that a person’s worth never changes.

“That was just one of his many special life lessons he shared with us that season,” Hennessy said. “This has made such an impact on my life because he taught me to stay true to myself and that your character is worth more than anyone else can ever say. He has made a great impact on my personal character, attitude, and commitment through his coaching and inspirational talks.”

As a coach of underclassmen soccer teams, Godinho welcomes freshmen, leaving feelings of belonging and safety among players, Hennessy said.

“My experience as a coach has been incredibly rewarding and full of growth,” Godinho said. “I’ve had the privilege of guiding young athletes, helping them build not only their skills on the field but also their character and resilience. Watching students grow, gain confidence, and work together as a team has been a true highlight. Coaching has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career at LT.”

A favorite coach of many players, Godinho puts in additional effort for team bonding experiences, Nick Dreves-Hunt ‘27, a player on Godinho’s sophomore boys’ soccer team, said. In the past, Godinho took their team out for pizza and bowling after a win.

“He’s like a friend to me,” Dreves-Hunt said. “I go to class every day before school and talk to him, and I always look forward to that.”

Team bonding, a sense of community, hard work, commitment, and perseverance are important values of Godinho as a coach.

“My goals as a coach center around not only building skilled players but also nurturing well-rounded individuals,” Godinho said. “I aim to create a team environment where discipline, respect, resilience, and teamwork are paramount. It’s important for me that players leave with a sense of personal growth, knowing they’ve been part of something bigger than themselves. I hope they gain skills that translate beyond the field—like handling adversity, working with others, and staying dedicated to their goals. My ultimate hope is that they carry these lessons into their own lives, becoming not only better athletes but also better people.”