At Winter Springs High School, bonds hold strong through teamwork and dedication. Coach Elizabeth Lord and Coach Mike Mangan work to train the WSHS tennis team, and this task lasts far longer than just the Spring season. Coaches Lord and Mike work hard to maintain the courts and support the team, hard at work all year so that the students can enjoy the season. But as said by Lord, “seeing the changes in the athletes” makes it all worth it. The coaches do all they do for the team so that they can help the students develop in more ways than just their athleticism. When asked why he goes through all of the work, Coach Mike says, “I get to meet you guys. That’s my favorite part.”

A part of their job as mentors to the tennis team is teaching the great value of sportsmanship and respect. They claim it to be a “reflection of you.” An athlete must hold no malice when winning or losing, because overall, it is not about the game, but how you handle yourself in everyday.

As well as coaching the tennis team, Coaches Lord and Mike are teachers at WSHS. Coach Lord serves as the teacher for the Peer Inclusion Team (PIT Crew), working through students’ social personal skills and learning strategies. As for Coach Mike, he is the Job Exploration Training (JET) Coach, teaching job skills to those who may need the assistance.

Together, Lord and Mike make an all-star team. The coaches have been married for over 20 years after having met online. The couple loves to travel in their RV and have gone all across Florida, recently having bought a Rio travel box to help them randomly pick new travel destinations. They have worked together for years since Lord needed help in her coaching of the team. Before working as a school teacher, Mike taught horticulture and lawn care to others, so his acts of education are not a new feat. They are stronger together, however, and deserve the spotlight on their hard work.