Pat Fitterer was born and raised in Ellensburg, Washington, as the fifth child in a family of six siblings. His early education took place at Lourdes Academy Elementary School, and he later graduated from Ellensburg High School in 1971. A gifted athlete from the start, Pat was Honorable Mention All-American and Most Valuable Player on the 1970 10-0 Mythical State Champion Football team. He also earned honorable mention All-Valley in basketball, held the District record for most field goals made for several years, and was voted the most inspirational baseball player on league championship teams for two consecutive years.
After high school, Pat attended Yakima Valley Community College before transferring to Central Washington State College. There, he played football under the legendary Tom Parry, becoming the leading rusher on the Evergreen Conference Championship team and earning Athlete of the Week honors multiple times. In track, he was a two-time District Champion sprinter, clocking a remarkable 9.5 seconds in the one hundred-yard dash.
He earned his B.S. in 1975 and his Masters in 1981, and in 1998, he received the distinguished honor of being inducted into Central Washington University’s Hall of Fame.
Married to Kathy since 1976, Pat began his teaching and coaching career in Cowiche, Washington, at Highland High School. The couple raised their daughters, Karly and Mindy, while Pat led his basketball teams to nine state tournaments, including a State “A” Championship in 1988.
Pat continued to leave his mark after moving to Kent and then Bellingham, especially at Sehome High School. Among various accolades, his teams took home a big school Championship trophy in 1996. Kyle Felmley, a former player, encapsulated Pat’s impact: “The Mental Toughness you taught us I use every day in my life as a fireman, husband, and father.”
Upon returning to Yakima, Pat coached at Eisenhower High School, where he led the team to its first three District Championships in basketball and secured two fourth-place trophies at the 4A state basketball tournaments.
Nationally, Pat’s contributions have been immense. In 2007, he was named head coach of the USA National Select Team, maintaining an unbeaten 6-0 record and securing three Gold medals.
With 604 wins, 12 League Coach of the Year awards, and 15 state tournament trophies, Pat’s legacy is monumental. He attributes much of his success to foundational lessons from family member, Jack Fitterer and family friend, Dean Nicholson, as well as lifelong bonds formed with athletes and assistant coaches.
2023 Career Update
Pat Fitterer retired from coaching in 2014, but his impressive legacy continues to grow. His career boasts 728 wins, 18 league titles, 12 district titles, 23 state berths, and 19 state trophies.
He has been named League Coach of the Year 16 times. In 2019, Pat was inducted into the NHSBCA Court of Honor, and in 2022, Highland High School Basketball Court was fittingly renamed “Pat Fitterer Court.” He has also been honored as a National Federation High School National Distinguished Coach Contributor. Pat is a dedicated 40-year member of WIBCA and a 35-year member of the Washington State Coaches Association (WSCA).
