During the holiday season, when families gather to reflect on what binds them together, few stories capture the spirit of unity, service, and perseverance quite like that of the Ostrowski Family. Nine members of the immediate family (parents and children), the Ostrowskis are Naval Academy graduates, athletes, and potentially future midshipmen. The Ostrowskis embody the deep connection between the U.S. Naval Academy, Navy Athletics, and a shared commitment to military service.

Paul and Bernadette Ostrowski both graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in the Class of 1993. Their journeys to Annapolis began in different places but ultimately converged in Bancroft Hall. It was during her senior year that Bernadette met Paul Ostrowski in an economics class. The two began dating during the second semester of their final year. 

Bernadette was a recruited swimmer for the Naval Academy, while Paul was a baseball player. After commissioning, Paul headed to flight school, while Bernadette served in Italy for Fleet Support. Thus began a budding long-distance relationship. During their second tour, they decided to get married, building a life and family grounded in service and shared experience. 

The story took a heart-breaking turn, when Paul was diagnosed with cancer and succumbed to the disease in 2011. He left behind a powerful legacy of service and athletics that is carried on through their seven children.

The oldest of the Ostrowski children, Luke '20, always knew he wanted to attend the Naval Academy. So, when he was offered a spot at the Naval Academy Preparatory School, he jumped at the opportunity. Even though he played lacrosse in high school and at NAPS, he transitioned to ice hockey at the Naval Academy and followed in his father's footsteps to become a Navy pilot.

Claire was soon to follow, entering the Naval Academy, directly, as a member of the Class of 2020 alongside her older brother. Recruited for swimming like her mother, Claire ultimately found her passion in cross country and track, choosing a path that better matched her interests.

Mark '23, arrived in Annapolis with a background in swimming and lacrosse, but his athletic journey took a turn when he discovered rowing during his senior year of high school in Virginia Beach. He walked on to the Navy rowing team and went on to earn its prestigious Erik Kristensen Award, honoring the graduating varsity heavyweight rower who best exemplifies excellence in athletics, leadership, and academics.

Sean '25, took a slightly different route, spending one year in the Naval Academy Foundation program at the Salisbury School in Connecticut. A dedicated hockey player with dreams of playing professionally, Sean ultimately chose to follow in his siblings' footsteps and then became a mainstay on the Navy hockey team.

Ava, currently a member of the Class of 2027, walked on to the Navy cross country and track teams. A multi-sport athlete in high school, participating in field hockey, swimming, and running, she found her place competing as a Navy runner.

The youngest two brothers also have their sights set on Annapolis. Dominic is a freshman at North Carolina State University, running on their club cross country team and is reapplying to the Naval Academy. Simon, a junior in high school and a standout lacrosse player, is focused on building his resume for the USNA application.

Athletics have been a constant thread through the family's story, not just to compete, but as preparation for leadership and service. Bernadette saw firsthand how sports shaped midshipmen during her own time at Navy.

"When I was at Navy, I noticed that all the athletes did very well in the fleet," she said. "Even if they were struggling academically, they still knew how to lead and work in a team environment."

That belief carried into her parenting. Raising seven energetic children, largely as a single mother, Bernadette leaned on structure, discipline, and sports. "I had to run things in a military style," she said with a laugh. "Things were kind of strict around the house."

"Personally, I loved hearing my mom and dad talk about all the traditions at the academy. 'A Message to Garcia' was quoted all the time," explained Mark Ostrowski '23. "My dad would also take us to work every now and then. I loved seeing the planes and everyone was so excited to fly for the Navy." 

The family's connection to military service runs even deeper. Paul's father served as a Navy dentist, while Bernadette's father was in the Army before leaving the service when she was young. Paul's brother (John '89), niece (Madeline '18) and nephew (Joseph '23) also graduated from USNA. 

Today, the Ostrowski children are spread across the fleet, serving and training in different areas of the world. It is no coincidence that many of the Ostrowskis have chosen the most elite of groups in the Navy to serve their country. It is rare for all of them to be together, but this Christmas they plan to reunite at home in Virginia Beach.

For Bernadette, the Naval Academy is more than a school or a career path. It is the common language of her family. "The Naval Academy has just become a part of all our lives," she said. "It's what the kids know and what they understand. They don't tolerate complaining and are quick to help each other overcome any obstacles."

That shared understanding has created a bond that spans generations, sports, and service. Whether through hockey rinks, rowing shells, tracks, or lacrosse fields, the Ostrowski's story is one of resilience, unity, and dedication. It's an enduring example of how the Naval Academy and Navy Athletics can shape not just leaders, but families as well.