Local Sports

Freedom High names new football coach

April 13, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

A former longtime Tampa Bay area football coach has been hired to lead the Freedom High Patriots program in 2016.

Floyd Graham, a former head coach at both Steinbrenner High (2009-2011) and Newsome High (2004-2005), was named as the Patriots’ new head football coach on April 1.

He replaces Todd Donohoe, who was fired after compiling a 15-25 combined record in four seasons. The team finished the 2015 season with a 3-7 record.

Floyd Graham is Freedom High School’s new head football. He was named to the position on April 1, but his first day on the job won’t be until April 18. Previously, he coached at Steinbrenner and Newsome high schools. (Courtesy of Freedom High School) — Floyd Graham is Freedom High School’s new head football. He was named to the position on April 1, but his first day on the job won’t be until April 18. Previously, he coached at Steinbrenner and Newsome high schools.
(Courtesy of Freedom High School)

Graham most recently was a defensive line coach at Carroll High School in Ozark, Alabama. He stepped down at Steinbrenner in 2012 to help take care of his cancer-stricken mother in Alabama, who passed away in January.

“Tampa’s basically my second home, because I was there for so many years. My wife and I were real happy when we were at Steinbrenner,” Graham said.

“It was always in our mind to come back.”

With many new head coaching hires made in January or February, Graham will have to make a quick turnaround to implement his program and coaching philosophy.

While it may be a disadvantage to start the job in the spring, it doesn’t compare to what Graham was forced to do at both Newsome and Steinbrenner high schools, where he built the football teams from scratch.

“To me, it’s already a luxury that we’ve already got all of our helmets, we’ve already got all of our equipment, we’ve already got coaches on staff and the kids have already been lifting,” Graham said. “I’ve been in situations where we’ve been so disadvantaged or were already fighting uphill that right now, this is something that’s going to be different and less challenging.”

“It’s going to be exciting to go into an already established program with athletes that have been doing something for awhile and have been together for awhile,” he added. “It’s not one of these things where we’re trying to build an identity, so I’m real excited about that.”

Graham’s first day on the job will be April 18, where his first duties will include keeping the current assistant coaching staff together and overseeing offseason workouts for Patriots players. He also plans to bring one of his former assistants at Steinbrenner, Cedric Roberts, in to coach defensive backs.

Graham has leafed through the roster and watched some game film on last year’s squad. He’s already noticed one team quality that gives him confidence in the team’s outlook for success.

That quality is speed, Graham said, with a tinge of glee in his voice. “They have a tremendous amount of potential. The athletes are there. The kids are there. It’s just that we have to start them at a young age and keep them on the right track. As long as they buy in and believe in us in what we’re trying to do, it will happen.”

As Graham tries to boost Freedom’s record in the win-loss column, he will have to make sure he can keep his player’s academically eligible.

“We’re going to put academics first, because the bottom line is my job is to try to create better men, which will create better fathers and husbands,” he said.

“That’s what I try to do, and we’re going to take every step that we can to make it happen.”

Perhaps what excites Graham the most is the opportunity to transition a downtrodden team into a superior one.

“The process is fun,” he said. “You can win all kinds of games, and you can lose all kinds of games. But, the process of making something from nothing and making those kids — that come in as ninth-graders — where they leave playing and understanding the game and being a better man, that’s what’s fun.”

Published April 13, 2016

Sunlake softball returns to 2012 form

April 13, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

After five seasons at the helm, Sunlake softball coach Nelson Garcia finally has “the system” in place.

That system has helped guide the Seahawks to their best record (16-8) since 2012 (17-6), Garcia’s first season as coach. That year, he had the fortune of leading a team that featured several standouts with post-secondary softball talent — Stephanie Francis (Jacksonville University), Courtney Durbin (Rollins College) and Amy Szymanowski (Florida State University).

The Sunlake softball team is having its best season in four years with a 16-8 record. It recently clinched the No. 2 seed for the Class 7A, District 10 tournament. (Courtesy of Nelson Garcia) — The Sunlake softball team is having its best season in four years with a 16-8 record. It recently clinched the No. 2 seed for the Class 7A, District 10 tournament.
(Courtesy of Nelson Garcia)

Rebuilding years in 2013 (9-11) and 2014 (9-16) have paved the way for a team that currently stands at 15-8 and recently clinched the No. 2 seed for the Class 7A, District 10 tournament.

Despite a key injury to an already youthful pitching staff, the Seahawks have stayed afloat with a potent lineup that has a combined .393 batting average and .479 on-base percentage.

With a bevy of .400 hitters, including one of the area’s top power threats in senior Gianna Basilone, Garcia likens the stacked order to those of the old New York Yankee teams, where opposing pitchers are worn down by the time they’ve gotten through the lineup.

“I like to try to do to people what the Yankees used to do from a few years ago,” he said. “I want them to be tired by the time they get through our order. Then we can go small ball.”

A combination of an offseason weight training program and “a lot of detail work” including station-to-station hitting drills has facilitated an increase in the team’s offensive output.

“The biggest thing is the team has got to buy into the program, and they’ve got to really want to be there,” Garcia said. “And this group, this is probably the best. They’ve really all gelled together.”

Facing some of the top teams within the district — Mitchell and Osceola — and outside the district — Land O’ Lakes and Gulf— has battle-tested Garcia’s group for a deep playoff run.

“We try to keep the attitude of: ‘Whoever shows up on the other side of the dugout, that’s the one we want to beat,’” he said.

“I think we can compete against anyone, especially if we’re playing our game.”

For Garcia, “playing our game” means everyone on the roster handles the job they are assigned, whether that’s making plays in the field, laying down a bunt to move a runner over or driving in runs.

The Seahawks are getting hot at the right time, and could be poised to be a bigger threat than just a few weeks ago as a previously injured pitcher returns to the starting rotation.

Freshman pitcher Morgan Boudreau was slated to be the team’s second arm in the rotation alongside sophomore workhorse Mariah Melendez (2.94 ERA in 21 starts), until she broke her ankle during a preseason game.

“That changed a lot of things,” Garcia said about Boudreau’s absence. “The pitching staff was supposed to be a little different. We had two very good pitchers coming in, …and she was also supposed to be our starting first baseman.”

“We’ve taken adversity and have done well with it,” he added.

Boudreau appears to be working her way back to the lofty expectations the coaching staff set upon her before the season, striking out three in two shutout innings in a 15-0 win over Fivay on April 1.

Now armed with a fully stocked pitching staff to complement a deep lineup, the Seahawks ought to be able to “compete against anyone.”

Published April 13, 2016

Senior nears Sunlake home run record

April 6, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

From Courtney Durbin to Stephanie Frances, Sunlake softball coach Nelson Garcia has seen his fair share of power hitters in his five seasons at the school.

Perhaps none is more powerful than senior catcher/third baseman Gianna Basilone, who leads all Tampa Bay area hitters with seven home runs, through 19 games. One more dinger and she’ll tie Sunlake’s single-season home run record set by Samantha Dittman in 2009. In addition to her home run total, Basilone has 28 RBIs to go along with an eye-popping .448 batting average.

Sunlake senior Gianna Basilone is one of the top power hitters in the Tampa Bay area. She has a scholarship offer on the table from Oklahoma State University.
(Courtesy of Nelson Garcia)

The senior’s performance, both at the plate and behind the plate, has led to a scholarship offer from Oklahoma State University, which is coached by Kenny Gajewski, a former assistant with the Florida Gators.

The Sunlake slugger is still waiting on a financial package from the university before she commits.

Coach Garcia called Basilone a “coach’s dream” because of work ethic, leadership and, of course, on-field results.

“You get these certain players, I won’t say every year, but you get these players, you can’t replace them. They’re irreplaceable,” Garcia said. “Somebody can come in and say they can hit eight home runs or nine home runs, but it doesn’t replace these players. As people, they’re awesome, and as teammates and leaders. It’s the same thing with (former players) Stephanie Francis or Courtney Durbin.”

While Basilone has always been known for the pop her in her bat—she mashed six home runs last season—she’s become an even more imposing slugger after Garcia implemented a team weight-training program in the offseason.

The program has helped Basilone get stronger and quicker — aspects that are imperative for making an impact at the Division I level.

“There’s always things I can like improve on,” said Basilone, who started attending Sunlake as a sophomore after moving from Pittsburgh. “It’s such a higher pace up in college.”

As Basilone has filled up the stat sheet, some opposing teams have started to approach her at-bats differently. Instead of giving her pitches to hit, teams have resorted to giving her a free pass to avoid facing her.

“After my first few at-bats, they try to find a weakness that I have. Or, some people just walk me or hit me,” Basilone said.

“There was one game (against Hudson on Feb. 26) she had two home runs. …I was surprised they pitched to her the second time,” Garcia said, adding, “I wouldn’t have pitched to her.”

The strategy of avoiding Basilone’s bat only works so well, as Sunlake (13-7) features a lineup with seven everyday players batting over .350.

In his lineups, Garcia opts to place senior Cassidy Roberts (.435 batting average, 16 RBIs) ahead of Basilone, and freshman sensation Shelby Lansing (.438. 20 RBIs) behind her in the lineup.

“I like to try to do to people what the (New York) Yankees used to do from a few years ago,” Garcia said. “I want (teams) to be tired by the time they get through our order. Then we can go small ball.”

With a 7-3-district mark, the Seahawks have aspirations of winning their district, and making a deep run into the postseason.

“I’ve told these girls from Day 1 when we started practicing that I’m very confident that if we play our game, and stay within ourselves, we can go out and compete against anybody out there,” Garcia said.

Basilone added this year’s team is “definitely” the best one she’s been on in her three seasons at Sunlake.

“All the girls that I’m playing with want to go to college, and they all are here for a reason,” she said. “They give their full effort…and they’re just all really competitive.

“That’s how we all click, too.”

Published April 6, 2016

Former pro cyclist organizes community rides

April 6, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

A former professional cyclist has created a weekend community cycling ride in Dade City that welcomes riders of all skill levels.

The ride, organized by Josh and Kaleigh Thornton, takes place each Saturday at 8 a.m., at the parking lot next to 14112 Eighth Street in Dade City.

Rides are typically two hours long, with varying paces, depending on each member’s skill level.

Josh Thornton, 37, has organized a Dade City community cycling ride on Saturdays. The free rides are open to cyclists of all skill levels. (Photos courtesy of Josh Thornton) — Josh Thornton, 37, has organized a Dade City community cycling ride on Saturdays. The free rides are open to cyclists of all skill levels.
(Photos courtesy of Josh Thornton)

Thornton, a professional cyclist from 2005 to 2009 and former member of the U.S. National Team, wanted to create a community ride to promote the cycling industry and bike advocacy in the area.

He said there’s currently a core group of 10 to 15 riders that have been showing up each Saturday over the past few months.

“It’s a really good ride, because it truly is for all skill levels,” Thornton, 37, said. “There’s other rides that are very fast and for very skilled riders, and a lot of people are intimidated by that, so this is kind of neat because it’s for anyone. We wanted something that really started in Dade City; there was nothing like that.”

“There’s no cost. Just show up and go, and hopefully hang out and meet some new people,” he added.

Throughout the course of the two-hour ride, the cyclists usually log about 30 miles, pedaling at an average pace of 13 mph to 15 mph. However, some less-experienced riders can opt to start out slow, and work their way up.

Thornton noted the group will typically “head out toward the hills” and ride along Darby Road. Other times, they’ll head north and hop on the Withlacoochee Trail.

“The roads that we pick are generally the less-traveled roads. That’s generally how most cyclists try to think,” he said. “We do have a couple different routes that we’ve done.”

Instead of trying to finish first, the rides are more about enjoying the scenery, and getting in some early weekend exercise.

“We have a protective group; we’re looking out for the other riders,” Thornton said. “You ride differently when you’re thinking like that as opposed to where you’re muscling around with the guys, jockeying for position.”

A regular group of about 10 to 15 people has been taking part in the rides for the past few months.

While still a small group, Thornton hopes the local rides will grow to the point where there can be multiple groups — like an A, B and C group —that can more closely match each rider’s skill level.

Although no longer a professional racer, Thornton is still very much involved in the cycling industry.

He operates a bike promotions and coaching business called Wicked Awesome Racing, and has also spawned a cyclo-cross racing series.

As opposed to a road race on pavement, Thornton’s Wicked Awesome Racing Series events are held on closed courses, like at Stanley Park in Lacoochee.

According to Thornton, cyclo-cross is currently the fastest growing form of cycling.

“It’s a much different form of cycling,” said Thornton, who competed in both road races and closed-circuit races (criteriums) as a professional. “It’s almost like a minor steeplechase kind of a race. It reminds me of cross-country in high school. You have a modified road bike— a little bit wider tires with knobs on them and the brakes are more like a mountain bike style brake.”

“The cool part about it is it’s a seven- to eight-minute loop, so you see the (racers) multiple times. It has this spectator-friendly aspect to it that you really don’t get when you go to a road race,” he added.

With Pasco County’s rolling hills and varying elevation points, the area offers an ideal setting for the cyclo-cross races, Thornton said.

“I’m from New England originally, and people see photos of (the course) and they don’t believe its Florida, because they think it’s flat as a pancake and there’s (only) beaches here,” he said.

For more information about the community rides, e-mail or call (352)-444-6413.

Published April 6, 2016

Big player, bigger game

March 30, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Darin Kilfoyl has been on a tear this season.

The Academy at the Lakes junior right-hander is sporting a 1.84 ERA with 45 strikeouts in 19 innings pitched — statistics buoyed by an incredible performance on March 3, when the 6-foot-8 flamethrower fanned 19 batters in a complete game, one hit shutout against Victory Christian (Lakeland).

“All my stuff was working,” said Kilfoyl, who once recalled throwing a one-hitter (which turned out to be a home run) in Little League. “I was throwing really, really hard in that game…and the batters couldn’t catch up to it.”

Equipped with a four-pitch arsenal — fastball, curveball, changeup and cutter — the rangy righty has the ability to keep even the area’s top hitters off-balance.

Academy at the Lakes junior ace Darin Kilfoyl is in the midst of a breakout season, sporting a 1.84 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 19 innings pitched. The 6-foot-8 right-hander is drawing interest from several Division I college baseball programs. (Courtesy of Thomas Haslam) — Academy at the Lakes junior ace Darin Kilfoyl is in the midst of a breakout season, sporting a 1.84 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 19 innings pitched. The 6-foot-8 right-hander is drawing interest from several Division I college baseball programs.
(Courtesy of Thomas Haslam)

Despite having a sturdy assortment of pitches, Kilfoyl powers the strike zone mainly with his fastball, which ranges from 86 mph to 88 mph.

His pitch speed has jumped considerably since his sophomore year, when inactivity and recovery from a broken leg led to his primary pitch topping out at “only” 79 mph.

“Before last season…I hadn’t done anything for a few months, so all my (pitching) mechanics weren’t how they were supposed to be,” Kilfoyl explained. “I went back to my pitching coach after the school season last year and got everything back set. In the summer, I was getting back into the low 80s, and at the end of the summer, I was throwing mid-80s; it’s been going up since.”

His performances on the mound have started to catch the eye of several Division I college programs from all over the country.

Blue bloods like the University of Virginia and the University of Florida have shown interest in the towering righty. Academic powerhouses like Dartmouth University and Stanford University are also intrigued by Kilfoyl’s size, potential and GPA.

“They said they know that I can already get so much better because of how big I am,” Kilfoyl said about college coaches’ interest. “They also like that I have really good grades, so the academics will help their team GPA, or help me get more scholarship money for school.”

His high school coach, John DiBenedetto, noted Division I coaches were fascinated by Kilfoyl’s stature and his ability to further develop.

“He’s still extremely raw,” DiBenedetto said. “He can grow; he’s going to get better. That’s the scary part about it. He’s finally starting to grasp certain things…on the mound, where he’s starting to thrive.”

Kilfoyl’s long stride and release point from his 6-foot-8 frame makes it difficult for opposing batters to catch up to his pitches or make solid contact. As opposed to shorter pitchers, Kilfoyl’s length allows him to release pitches closer to home plate from the mound, causing throws to jump on hitters more quickly.

“When I was at the (University of) Virginia camp, coaches were saying how because of my length and how weird the (pitching) angle was, my fastball — even though it was only about 84 or 85 when I was there —played out at 89 to 90,” Kilfoyl said.

Currently, Kilfoyl is working to fine-tune his accuracy, and improve his athleticism with the hope of getting stronger to increase his velocity. He said coaches at the Academy have given him tips along the way that have helped him “a lot” in those areas.

This summer, Kilfoyl will have the opportunity to showcase his skills in travel ball. The pitching standout is set to play for the Atlanta Blue Jays, an elite travel club for 15 year olds to 18 year olds.

The experience should buoy Kilfoyl’s development and help him become noticed by more college programs, especially since he plays prep baseball at a smaller school.

Since it’s inception in 2003, the travel club, led by Anthony Dye and Steve Loureiro, has produced several first round picks in the MLB Draft, including Tim Beckham (2008), Delino Deshields Jr. (2010) and Touki Toussaint (2014). According to its website, 90 percent of Blue Jays’ players have either received collegiate scholarships or signed to play professional baseball.

“Their (travel club) is different…because they have only one team per each age group,” Kilfoyl said, “because they want to focus on those players and get those players to be the best they can be, whereas other (travel clubs) will have multiple teams for their different ages.”

Kilfoyl is also a standout basketball player for the Academy (9.1 points per game and 7.8 rebounds per game in 2015), but said he prefers America’s pastime, knowing his college future is likely tied to the latter sport.

“Baseball has the edge. I feel a lot more confident, and I feel I know the game of baseball much better than basketball, because I started basketball later,” said Kilfoyl, who’s major growth spurt occurred after he started high school. “Baseball is just who I am and what I excel at.”

Published March 30, 2016

Sunlake cheerleaders heading to Hawaii

March 30, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

A summer trip to Hawaii has become an annual tradition for the Sunlake High varsity cheer team.

From June 22 to June 29, Sunlake cheer coach Pennye Garcia and five of her cheerleaders will participate in the 15th annual Cheer Hawaii USA Summer Invitational at the University of Hawaii.

For three consecutive years, Sunlake High has sent cheerleaders to Cheer Hawaii. This picture is from the 2015 camp. From left: Nicole Calderin, Amanda Slozer, Sunlake coach Pennye Garcia, Penn State coach Curtis White, Mariah Berberich and Mallory Mock. (Courtesy of Pennye Garcia) — For three consecutive years, Sunlake High has sent cheerleaders to Cheer Hawaii. This picture is from the 2015 camp. From left: Nicole Calderin, Amanda Slozer, Sunlake coach Pennye Garcia, Penn State coach Curtis White, Mariah Berberich and Mallory Mock.
(Photos courtesy of Pennye Garcia)

Coach Garcia will be joined in Oahu by Sunlake cheerleaders Taylor Broderick, Lauren Gobea, Maddie Frazee, Hailey Parks and Mikiah Peeples.

About 100 cheerleaders from all 50 states are selected to participate in the prestigious camp each year.

Since 2006, Garcia has sent at least five of her cheerleaders — at every school she’s coached — to the weeklong college-prep cheer camp. She is one of just eight coaches that will be attending to provide additional instruction and guidance.

Each year, Cheer Hawaii focuses on developing four main competitive cheerleading areas: cheer motion and spirit, dance, stunting and leadership skills.

Typically, nominations for the camp are open to current high school sophomores and juniors that exhibit certain qualities such as basic cheer skills, leadership abilities, a positive attitude, and a desire to learn and improve.

Sunlake senior Amanda Slozer, who attended the camp last year, said the weeklong affair benefits cheerleaders who aspire to be team captains and role models for younger teammates.

“It’s a really good experience,” she said about the camp. “I had a good time.”

With a limited number of spots, Garcia opts to nominate cheerleaders that have shown her leadership-like qualities during their career at Sunlake.

“I choose the ones…that show me individual characteristics that I would be proud of to send to Hawaii to represent our skills,” said Garcia, the 2016 East Pasco Coach of the Year. “If they have any disciplinary issues, they probably won’t get selected, and they know why.”

Several Sunlake cheerleaders will be participating in the 15th annual Cheer Hawaii USA Summer Invitational at the University of Hawaii from June 22 to June 29. The camp is organized by Alan Akina each year. From left: Pennye Garcia, Amanda Slozer, Nicole Calderin, Akina, Mallory Mock and Mariah Berberich.

With camp instructors such as Penn State’s Curtis White, both high school cheerleaders and their respective coaches learn about advanced-level techniques and cheers they can take back to their prep squads.

“Coach White brings his male cheerleaders and teaches everyone how to coed stunt,” Garcia said. “They all are college coaches that come in and teach high schools how to do sideline cheers and chants.”

Garcia added that Sunlake has altered its entire cheer format based on what they’ve learned at Cheer Hawaii, aligning their squad to perform cheers similar to some of the premier Division I cheer programs.

“It has been really beneficial for us in competition and for sidelines,” Garcia said.

The results at Sunlake speak for themselves. This past season, the Seahawks had the highest scoring average in Pasco County — 74.51— and finished third in the Class 1A Small Division FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) state finals. In 2014, Sunlake won the Class 1A Medium Division state title.

According to Garcia, the weeklong camp also benefits high school cheerleaders who have aspirations of cheering in college, by teaching them the steps needed to make that drastic leap.

“There’s a lot of Cheer Hawaii kids that go on to cheer in college, and they get a lot of pointers from them,” she said.

Additionally, high school cheerleaders and coaches alike learn several positive reinforcement techniques to use during the season. For example, after every practice, the Sunlake cheer team will do an activity called ‘Celebrations and Reminders,’ where teammates will ‘celebrate’ each other’s accomplishments— like a perfect stunt in practice — and provide ‘reminders’ of what they need to do for their next practice.

Garcia noted the activity is beneficial for empowering her team.

“It’s kind of like a ‘grab you, hug you’ type of thing,” she said, noting that teammates remember each other’s kind words to one another. “It’s just a positive way to say everything.”

For Sunlake, the camp kicks off the summer season, and serves as a kick-start in trying to remain as one of the top competitive cheer teams in Pasco.

Published March 30, 2016

Local soccer player signs with Division 1 team

March 23, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Mikey Connell — the son of a former local soccer legend — has signed a national letter of intent with the University of North Florida in Jacksonville.

The Steinbrenner High standout is the son of former Tampa Bay Rowdies star Mike Connell.

The 6-foot-1 midfielder will be coached at the Division I college by Derek Marinatos, who’s in his sixth year as UNF’s head coach.

Connell signed his national letter of intent with UNF on Feb. 3, two weeks after ending his high school soccer career.

Connell, left, was accompanied by his father Mike on National Signing Day on Feb. 3. Connell’s father played for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the ’70s and ’80s. (Photos courtesy of Mike Connell) — Connell, left, was accompanied by his father Mike on National Signing Day on Feb. 3. Connell’s father played for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the ’70s and ’80s.
(Photos courtesy of Mike Connell)

While Connell had a few other college offers, he decided on UNF after meeting with the coaching staff and visiting the campus.

The three-time All-County selection is relieved to have the recruiting process behind him.

“It was a very stressful process,” Mikey said, “because you’re always thinking about where you are. If a school doesn’t offer you, you’re thinking, ‘Oh no, I’m running out of time; signing day is coming up.’ Once I committed, it was easy going into the (soccer) showcases and just focusing on playing, and not worry about attracting coaches to my style of play.”

He will be joining a team which has finished over .500 for three straight seasons. The university became an even more attractive option for Connell after one of the team’s players, midfielder Alex Morrell (of Lakeland), was drafted 22nd overall in the 2016 MLS (Major League Soccer) SuperDraft.

“That was a big factor in my decision,” said Connell, who hopes to play professional soccer after he finishes college. “The fact they can produce those type of players gives me an opportunity to prove myself on that big stage.”

His father noted it was important to “put (Mikey) in the hands of someone that will take him to the next level.”

“Certainly, the coaching staff there understands the challenge of preparing players and delivering players to the professional ranks, which was very important,” Mike said.

This past season, Connell was one of the most productive players in Hillsborough County, scoring 26 goals and dishing out 19 assists.

“While he’s been a very, very good high school player, everything resets and now (he’s) going to go and have to do it again,” Connell’s father said about playing Division I soccer. “The fact that he has the opportunity to improve himself at this next level is all you ask for. Now, it’s up to him to go and understand the challenge.”

Steinbrenner High’s Mikey Connell will be playing Division I soccer at the University of North Florida in the fall. He scored 26 goals and dished out 19 assists this past season.

Throughout his illustrious high school career, Connell said he’s become more confident in his abilities, which is highlighted by his attacking style of play, and his penchant for facilitating scoring opportunities for teammates.

“I feel like I see things that most players do not see,” said Connell, who helped guide Steinbrenner to a district championship in 2014 and a regional championship in 2013. “I’m left-footed, so that’s a unique characteristic. I can take people on with the ball, I can score goals, and I can assist.

“I’ve really tried to hone my game into an all-around kind of player over the past few years.”

His father, a 10-year veteran of the Tampa Bay Rowdies, agrees with that assessment.

“He’s very confident receiving the ball and holding the ball when he has it. He doesn’t panic under pressure,” Mike explained. “His strongest asset is his vision of the game, the creative side of the game.”

Additionally, Mike said his son has become a “better leader of his teammates” since he started playing for Steinbrenner.

“He’s seeing the game on a bigger scale. …Just maturing with the game and the expectations of a bigger, stronger, more physical game,” Mike said.

Mike believes his son has the talent to play professionally, but adds there’s “still a lot of development to come.”

“There’s the right of passage to ‘fight the fight’ against everyone out there that may have that (professional) ambition,” Mike said. “Certainly, had he grown up in the soccer environments of South Africa or Europe, he would be further along.”

In addition to playing for Steinbrenner, Connell also plays for the Tampa Rangers, a club soccer team directed by his father.

The opportunity to be instructed by someone who’s played professional soccer for over a decade has been a key to Connell’s development.

“He’s the biggest impact on my life, coaching wise,” Connell said about his father. “He’s been my main coach since I was 11 when I was on his club team, and he’s been coaching me on my own whenever I started walking.

“He’s definitely been the biggest influence in my life on the game of soccer,” he said.

Published March 23, 2016

Sunlake cheerleader, coach receive county honors

March 23, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Sunlake High School’s competitive cheerleading season may be over, but the awards are tumbling in.

Senior cheerleader Amanda Slozer and head coach Pennye Garcia recently received the Sunshine Athletic Conference’s (SAC) Cheerleader of the Year and Coach of the Year for the East Pasco division, respectively.

Slozer, 18, said she was “shocked” when she found out she was being awarded for her individual performance.

“I just wasn’t expecting it,” she said, humbly.

From left, Sunlake High senior Amanda Slozer, Sunlake Principal Michael Cloyd and Sunlake cheerleader coach Pennye Garcia. Slozer was named East Pasco Cheerleader of the Year and Garcia won East Pasco Coach of the Year (Photos courtesy of Pennye Garcia) — From left, Sunlake High senior Amanda Slozer, Sunlake Principal Michael Cloyd and Sunlake cheerleader coach Pennye Garcia. Slozer was named East Pasco Cheerleader of the Year and Garcia won East Pasco Coach of the Year
(Photos courtesy of Pennye Garcia)

However, her coach wasn’t the least bit surprised that Slozer, one of the team’s captains, was recognized — due to the cheerleader’s diverse skillset.

“Stunting—she’s as strong as anything; I can always put her anywhere,” Garcia said. “Whenever I needed to have the most strength in (a routine), that’s where she would go.”

Slozer had the perfect combination of skill and character needed for a team to be successful, added Garcia, who has been a cheerleader coach for 13 years, the longest-standing in Pasco County,

“When you have (a cheerleader) that has the quality that you want in a kid and the skill level, it’s great,” said Garcia, who is fascinated by Slozer’s tumbling ability. “She’s very responsible, dependable, caring; just a great individual.”

Slozer, who’s been cheering since she was 7 years old, realizes a lot of people don’t understand the challenges and sacrifices of being a competitive cheerleader — especially when it comes to being a part of a Garcia-coached team.

“I feel like a lot of people just think we stand on the track at football games…but they don’t understand the competition season is the most serious thing that we have to do,” she explained. “We practice for several weeks and several hours at a time, and the work we do while we’re at practice is not just standing around.”

The Sunlake competitive cheer team finished the year with the highest scoring average in the county—74.51— and advanced to the FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) state meet in late January, placing third in the Class 1A Small Division.

Garcia, who helped guide Sunlake to a state title in the 2013-2014 season, was hoping for a first or second place finish at this year’s state championships, knowing the squad’s high ceiling going into the season.

“This team had a little bit more talent than my state (title) team. They got some skills a lot quicker,” said Garcia, who also won Pasco County Coach of the Year in 2014.

“This team was a lot more laid back than my state team. They were not, as a whole, as ambitious until the last minute, where it has to be ambitious from the get-go,” Garcia said.

Under the guidance of Coach Pennye Garcia, Sunlake has reached the state finals for three consecutive years.

As one of the premier cheerleading coaches in the area, Garcia has maintained a successful track record at Sunlake — three consecutive state appearances — by instilling discipline, consistency and purpose, and maintaining the quality of cheerleaders she selects for her varsity squad.

“I have to stick to my guns and be tough,” the head coach said. “If I would not be tough like I am, it would be very easy for the kids to lay back and want everything, but not want to work for it. I can’t function like that.”

Slozer has witnessed the grind firsthand, whether it’s attending 6 a.m. practices or participating in countless post-practice reps.

“She is tough, but she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to this program, I feel like,” Slozer said about Coach Garcia. “She cares a lot about it, so that helps.”

“I feel like over the past three years we’ve had different rivals every year, because the teams are all different every time, but we’ve stayed pretty consistent,” she said.

To perform a seamless 2 ½-minute routine, which consists of standing and running tumbling, transitions and stunting, Garcia ensures her squad is fully equipped to earn high scores in competitions.

“I practice them until it’s ready,” Garcia said, pointing out that stunting is the most important part of a routine. “If it’s not ready, I will have them do whatever we need to do until I feel like it’s done.”

While the season is over, Garcia’s mind is focused on the program’s next step, whether it’s organizing clinics and camps, or designing future pyramids and routines.

With Slozer’s impending graduation and the exodus of several other “crucial” seniors, Garcia will once again have to find a way to lead her crop of cheerleaders to the top.

Published March 23, 2016

Young coach leads Academy at the Lakes baseball

March 16, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Just a few years removed from playing college baseball, John DiBenedetto already is thriving in his first varsity baseball head-coaching gig.

Over the summer, DiBenedetto, 24, was hired as the new coach for the Academy at the Lakes baseball program.

Previously, he assisted Carrollwood Day School’s varsity baseball program.

Twenty-four-year-old John DiBenedetto is the new baseball coach for the Academy at the Lakes Wildcats. (Courtesy of John DiBenedetto) — Twenty-four-year-old John DiBenedetto is the new baseball coach for the Academy at the Lakes Wildcats.
(Courtesy of John DiBenedetto)

DiBenedetto heard about the job opening when he was helping out at a baseball clinic last summer.

“I didn’t even know what Academy at the Lakes was, to be completely honest,” DiBenedetto said, “because I’m a Hillsborough County guy, all the way.”

“It was a long two-month (hiring) process, but it worked out great. I couldn’t be happier,” he said.

In high school, DiBenedetto was a standout catcher at Newsome High and Blake High. His skills afforded him the opportunity to earn a college baseball scholarship, where he spent two years apiece at Division II Saint Anselm (New Hampshire) College and Division III Rivier (New Hampshire) University.

With his playing days nearing an end in college, DiBenedetto had an interest in coaching.

“At the end of my junior year, I knew this is what I wanted to do. I kind of got into it my senior year,” he said, noting he started analyzing game situations more closely and talking to others about the profession.

Being the Academy’s fourth head coach in as many years, DiBenedetto quickly realized he had a massive challenge on his hands, since the program recently suffered from instability and coaching turnover.

Even at the varsity level, several players still hadn’t yet grasped some of the game’s fundamentals — such as knowing how to run bases, how to bunt or take a sign from third base.

The young coach said the biggest initial struggle for him has been changing the culture of the once “broken” program.

For DiBenedetto, changing the culture consists of having players “buy in” and show up to practice every day ready to work.

“Before I came in, practices just consisted of warming up, throwing a little bit, hitting some BP (batting practice) and going home,” said DiBenedetto, whose father, John Sr., also helps out with the day-to-day program operations.

“Now we have the organization where we’re working on specific situations all the time, and everything we do at practice is for a reason. It’s not like we’re just out there just to hit. Everything is very structured, time-based.”

The results are beginning to show.

The Wildcats already have three wins, which ties as many as they had all of last year.

With a 3-6 record as of March 14, DiBenedetto hopes the team can finish close to .500 by season’s end.

“Our main goal from day one is to give us a chance in April in districts,” DiBenedetto said. “It’s very reasonable. It can be done.”

Though it takes time to build a sustainable high school program, DiBenedetto is excited about the team’s prospects over the next few years.

This year’s squad features a unique mix of youth — four seventh-graders and an eighth-grader have played in a varsity game — and experience, highlighted by seven seniors.

“All of these kids had been going to school here, and I had to kind of go in and recruit them,” DiBenedetto said. “A lot of them just played travel ball, and had no interest playing on the high school team because of the struggles and the coaching turnover. When I was able to be here every day…I was able to have conversations with kids.”

Perhaps the most intriguing player on the roster for this season and next season is junior pitcher Darin Kilfoyl, a towering 6-foot-8 right-hander who sports a 1.84 earned run average.

In the team’s most recent win on March 3 against Victory Christian, Kilfoyl struck out 19 batters in a complete game, one-hit shutout.

While still “extremely raw,” Kilfoyl is drawing interest from several Division I coaches due to his lengthy frame and skillset.

“He’s got a very good curveball,” DiBenedetto said. “He throws 86 to 88 (miles per hour). He powers the strike zone.

“The thing the D-I coaches have seen is that he can get better; that’s the scary part about it,” the coach said.

Offensively, Kilfoyl leads the team in home runs (two) and RBIs (eight).

But, it’s Kilfoyl’s intangibles that really stand out to his head coach.

“He’s a great teammate,” DiBenedetto said. “He’s a leader. He works hard every day. He shows up, and he communicates.”

For Kilfoyl and the rest of the team, “the success is starting to come,” DiBenedetto said.

Published March 16, 2016

College cheerleading team preps for nationals

March 16, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The Pasco-Hernando State College cheerleading team will compete at nationals for the second straight year.

The cheer squad will travel to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on March 18 to square off in the Cheer Ltd. Collegiate Nationals at CANAM. The squad will compete in the Collegiate Small Coed Division, where it finished fourth runner-up out of 13 teams last year.

The Pasco-Hernando State College cheerleading team will compete in the Cheer Ltd. Collegiate Nationals on March 18 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The squad most recently won the state championship at the Florida State Fair on Feb. 6. (Photos courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College) — The Pasco-Hernando State College cheerleading team will compete in the Cheer Ltd. Collegiate Nationals on March 18 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The squad most recently won the state championship at the Florida State Fair on Feb. 6.
(Photos courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

The team enters the competition with positive momentum after it won the state championship title in the College Coed Level 6 division at the American Championships Official Florida Championships Cheer and Dance competition on Feb. 6.

At nationals, the team will perform a 2 ½-minute routine, which will feature running and standing tumbling, as well as jumps, stunts, a pyramid and a dance.

To prep for the advanced routine, the team practiced every day during the school’s spring break, which began March 7.

The routine is “flashier” than others the team has performed, according to junior flyer Amanda Kahn.

Freshman backspot Thad Anderton, one of the team’s two male cheerleaders, said the routine’s challenge lies in putting “it all together.”

“We upped it up a little bit for nationals,” the Zephyrhills High graduate said. “We have a little more difficult tumbling. We have a couple more layouts and tucks that are jumps, and a little more difficult stunting, too.

“You have to think — doing a single stunt is really hard, but when you throw 20 stunts in the same routine in two minutes and 30 seconds, it’s pretty crazy,” he said.

Since team tryouts last June, the cheer team has improved its skills tremendously, said Sophia Haddad, second-year head coach.

Sophia Haddad is in her second year as coach of the Pasco-Hernando State College cheer team. She was a former cheerleader at PHSC (2009-2011) and at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (2011-2013.)

“Just from the beginning of this season, or even just a couple of months ago, the routine we performed at state wasn’t a routine that we could do. It was something we were working toward,” said Haddad, a former cheerleader at both PHSC and the University of Alaska Fairbanks. “They have done a tremendous job of improving and really getting so much better all around. They came in with certain skills, and they’re going to be competing with skills that are so much higher than what they had when they started.”

Much of the team’s improvement over the past several months can also be attributed to Haddad’s coaching mechanisms, members of the team said.

“From tryouts, we basically had Level 2 skills and thanks to (Coach Haddad), we full out have Level 6 skills, which is way more advanced and difficult,” Kahn said. “The more Level 6 skills we put into our routine, the higher the chance that we will win, if…we execute it properly.”

Sophomore base Damari Sanchez pointed out Coach Haddad’s ability to motivate has benefitted the squad.

“I love how she pushes us to our limits, and that’s exactly what we need, because if we didn’t have somebody here to push us, then we wouldn’t try as hard,” Sanchez said. “She has love for us; it’s tough love sometimes, but that’s what we need.”

Anderton referred to Haddad as the “most caring” and “hardest” coach he’s ever had.

In building a roster each season, Haddad looks for cheerleaders that are good students and have an upbeat attitude.

“I liked all of the teams I was on, but this year I feel like everybody here has a great, positive energy,” said Kahn, who’s in her third-year with the program. “You don’t hear the stereotypical cheerleader ‘drama.’ They’re very friendly.”

Anderton added the team has a “very family feel.”

“I just feel like I’ve gained so many good friends out of this cheerleading team, and all the hard work…is going to pay off when we go to nationals,” he said. “I’m really excited to spend that time with them and have our fun time since we didn’t really have a spring break.”

Since Haddad was a cheerleader at PHSC from 2009-2011, the program has grown substantially in terms of resources—with partial scholarships and new equipment each year.

In addition to a scholarship pool of $2,000 to split among team members, the program also receives new cheerleading mats each year, which can total up to $1,000, Haddad said.

“The school has allowed for increased mats for safety, and team equipment has grown tremendously,” the cheer coach said. “They get bags and practice uniforms, and bows and all those things they didn’t get before, and if they did get them, the team was paying out of pocket, whereas now the school takes care of those fees.

“We never traveled out of state for competitions until last year, so that’s a really big deal,” she said.

While a first-place finish in Myrtle Beach would be ideal, the team is hoping to wind up in the top three.

“Last year, our team was good, but not as good as we are now,” Kahn said. “The improvement every year — you can see it.”

“I’d say we have a lot more talent than we did last year. We have more tumbling skills,” Sanchez said. “If all of us try out next year, I wouldn’t even doubt it that we’d make first.”

Published March 16, 2016