Pasco Schools & Lightning Honor Coaches 'Beyond the Game'

Pasco County Schools and the Tampa Bay Lightning launched a new initiative, 'Beyond the Game,' to recognize coaches who significantly impact students' lives on and off the field. The program, which began this school year, celebrates coaches across all sports for their dedication to student success.

Four school board meetings will feature honored coaches throughout the year. This initiative builds on the existing partnership between the school district and the Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation, which supports programs like street hockey in schools.

The inaugural nomination period received over 300 submissions. Three coaches will receive recognition at Tuesday's school board meeting for their commitment to students' academic performance and good citizenship.

“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,” said Toni Zetzsche, chief impact officer at the district. “They’re encouraging students to perform at a really high level academically. They’re asking them to model good citizenship, behave on campus, but when they don’t, they’re there to pick them up.”

A total of 12 coaches will be honored across the four scheduled meetings. Recipients will receive a hockey stick, and some may have the opportunity to be recognized at a home game.