SHP Mourns the Loss of Longtime Football Coach Mark Fabbri

Sacred Heart Preparatory mourns the loss of longtime football coach Mark Fabbri, affectionately known as “Coach Fab,” who passed away peacefully earlier this week after serving the SHP community with dedication, heart, and passion for more than a decade. A beloved presence on the varsity football staff, Coach Fab was instrumental in shaping one of the most successful and meaningful eras in program history. His influence extended far beyond the field, touching the lives of countless student-athletes, families, and colleagues.

 

Coach Fabbri brought a calm strength and steady voice to the sidelines—someone who set high expectations, coached with clarity, and always led with heart. He was deeply committed to his players’ growth, both on and off the field. “Coach Fab had high standards and a clear way of getting his message across,” said lineman John Adrian Dioli, a member of the 2021 State Championship team. “But it always came from a place of care. You knew he wanted what was best for you, and he showed up every day to help us grow.”

 

His players knew they were being pushed because he believed in them. As Dioli added, “He helped instill a real sense of grit in our team - mentally and physically - and he set the tone for everything we accomplished that year. He also helped prepare me for the expectations of college football. The discipline, the communication, the daily accountability - it was all part of the culture he helped create.”

 

During Coach Fab’s time on staff, Sacred Heart Prep Football reached remarkable heights. The program captured League Championships in 2022 and 2015, competed in the CCS Open Division in 2018 and 2015, and earned CCS titles in 2024, 2021, and 2015. The Gators also claimed NorCal Championships in 2021 and 2015, and most notably, won the school’s first and only Boys State Championship in 2021 - a milestone Coach Fab took tremendous pride in helping achieve.

 

“Coach Fab loved Sacred Heart Prep,” said Head Coach Mark Grieb. “He loved being around the players, the team, and this school. He brought a sense of purpose and consistency to everything we did. His voice, his standards, his care - they’re woven into the fabric of our program. He was a coach in the truest sense of the word.”

 

Assistant Principal for Athletics Jason Armstrong added, “What I admired most about Coach Fab was his authenticity. He showed up every day with his whole heart. He poured himself into our kids, our staff, and our mission. His impact will be felt for a long time - not just in the wins, but in the relationships he built and the values he instilled.”

 

Coach Fabbri’s legacy at SHP is one of deep connection, vocal leadership, and unwavering commitment to the lives of the student-athletes he served. He was a passionate presence on the field - someone who wasn’t afraid to speak up, challenge, and lead with conviction. He helped build something lasting at Sacred Heart Prep - rooted in grit, belief, and care.

 

 

Students, families, or staff members seeking support are encouraged to reach out to SHP’s counseling team.

 

Coach Fab will be remembered not only for the championships he helped win, but for the young men he helped shape - and the lasting example he set for all of us.