Pasco Schools & Lightning Celebrate Coaches 'Beyond the Game'

Pasco County Schools and the Tampa Bay Lightning have launched 'Beyond the Game,' a new initiative recognizing coaches who profoundly impact students' lives both on and off the field. The program, which began this school year, celebrates achievements across all sports, from Wiregrass Ranch High School's athletic fields to community centers in Zephyrhills.

'Beyond the Game' highlights coaches who prioritize academic success and good citizenship alongside athletic performance. According to Toni Zetzsche, chief impact officer for the district, these coaches encourage students to excel academically and model positive behavior.

"These are coaches who are not just worried about what’s happening on the field, but they’re worried about what’s happening off the field too," Zetzsche said. "They encourage students to perform at a really high level academically. They ask them to model good citizenship, behave on campus, but when they don’t, they’re there to pick them up."

More than 300 nominations were received. Twelve coaches will be honored throughout the year at four school board meetings. Three coaches were scheduled to receive recognition at Tuesday's school board meeting, each receiving a hockey stick. Some honorees may also be recognized at a Tampa Bay Lightning home game.

This initiative builds on the existing partnership between Pasco County Schools and the Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation, which has established street hockey programs in schools and allows students to earn physical education credits through hockey participation.

"An organization like the Tampa Bay Lightning pours into our students and our schools. It really speaks volumes, and I think it reminds families how important Pasco County Schools is in the community, and it reminds our kids how important they are to big organizations like the Tampa Bay Lightning," Zetzsche added.