By Jeff Odom
Gaither High boys soccer coach Eric Sims has stepped down after 12 seasons guiding the team.
The 35-year-old Sims, who also serves as the executive director of the Tampa Bay United Youth Soccer Club (TBU), led the Cowboys to three state final four appearances, including back-to-back trips in 2011 and 2012.
Under his direction, Gaither also won five district titles and made 10 playoff appearances, most recently during the 2011-12 season when the team upset Freedom for the Class 4A-District 8 championship.
Gaither did not make the playoffs last season.
Sims’ dedication to coaching soccer also extended past the high school level as an assistant men’s coach at the University of Tampa and head coach of TBU’s Under-18 boys team.
Former Gaither forward Tyler Helm told The Laker/Lutz News in December that there is no better man to play for than Sims.
“Coach Sims is the best around,” Helm said. “His vision on the field is professional. He sees our options. He treats us like fellow players … (and) teaches us to be physical.”
— Correspondent Don Trello contributed to this report.
