As a child growing up in Saratoga Springs, New York, Timothy Girzone spent most of his free time playing sports. 

Girzone’s favorite subject in school was math, which later led to his enrollment at the University of New Hampshire to become a math teacher. 

During his time at UNH, however, Girzone discovered that his real passion lay somewhere else. 

“I found [that] my interest in wanting to be a teacher was to work with kids,” Girzone said. “A big part of that, as I had experienced as a student, was in the athletic realm.”

Instead of becoming a math teacher as he had planned, Girzone switched paths to become a physical education teacher at Hollis Brookline High School in 2002. 

In 2004, he co-founded the HBHS Football Team, alongside Coach Milt Robinson who works in special education.

“Football, growing up, was a big part of my life,” Girzone said. “Having the opportunity to coach here, and get the program off the ground was a very challenging and rewarding experience.”

Later in his life, Girzone was offered an opportunity at the administrative level, and he accepted. Even with the job of principal being “pretty all-consuming,” he still pursues his passion for physical activity. 

“[Fitness] will always be a part of my life, I still workout, and run and lift,” Girzone said.

When asked how much he can bench-press, Girzone said, “My best ever was 315 [pounds]; I’d say now it’s probably… It’s not that.”

When asked about advice that he would give to students, Girzone stressed the importance of finding and pursuing something that you are passionate about, and that it doesn’t have to be fitness. 

“Get involved with more things, because those opportunities don’t always exist, and high school might be the time in your life where they are most prevalent,” Girzone said. “We do a lot of things here at HB. You might find something that you never thought you would enjoy, and that can be a really rewarding experience.”

Girzone advises students to get outside of their comfort zone and try something new, because finding and pursuing something that you are passionate about can change your life, just as it did for him.