May 8, 2026
East Ridge Coach Grant Mollett Honored for 24 Years, Prepares to Launch Program at South Marion
By Kyle Coppola
East Ridge Coach Grant Mollett Honored for 24 Years, Prepares to Launch Program at South Marion
After 24 years at East Ridge High School as a teacher and coach, including 14 seasons leading the girls cross country program, Grant Mollett was honored this week as he prepares for a new challenge: building the cross country program from the ground up at brand-new South Marion High School.
Coach Mollett also teaches AP World History, AP European History and AP U.S. History, reflected on his tenure at East Ridge in a statement shared following the recognition.
“Tonight I was honored for my 24 years of coaching at East Ridge High School,” Mollett says. “I’m grateful for my time here and the relationships that I’ve made along the way. I’ve been blessed with athletic directors and administrators who have supported me, trusted me, and empowered me to achieve lofty goals.”
During his time as girls cross country coach, Mollett helped guide East Ridge to four district championships and one regional title. He frequently collaborated with boys coach Tim Ferrell, building a strong combined program.
“Speaking of brotherhood, the one guy that exemplifies that for me the most is my good friend and brother in arms in coaching and teaching, Coach Tim Ferrell,” Mollett says. “I thank you for your insights, experience, and dedication to our cross country program. We built one heck of a program together. Some of my best times in life have been coaching our teams together. You’re a special man and there isn’t anybody else I’d rather coach with, my friend.”
Mollett expressed deep appreciation for the athletes, parents, fellow teachers, staff and coaches who formed a supportive community at East Ridge.
“I have built lifelong relationships with athletes and parents that I will continue to cherish,” he says. “I’ve befriended so many teachers and staff members who have provided support and encouragement to me and the programs I’ve coached. The East Ridge High School coaches have been like a brotherhood and sisterhood of dedicated and supportive people.”
Though his time with the Knights is winding down, Mollett said he will carry those connections forward.
“Although my time at East Ridge is nearing its end, I will hold those relationships in high regard,” he added.
Mollett is eager for the opportunity ahead at South Marion, a new high school set to open in the fall.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to establish a cross country program at South Marion,” Mollett says. “I vow to give my energy and experience to each runner in this program.”
South Marion’s athletics program recently announced Mollett’s hiring, along with many other coaches who will look to lead the new high school into the future.
While Coach Mollett will be greatly missed in our community. His legacy and importance of a role he played in the Clermont community cannot be understated. And if there’s anyone who can start a program and get it successful from the ground up, it’s Coach Grant Mollett.
Best of luck to you Coach!
Kyle Coppola was born in Newton, Massachusetts and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communications from Curry College in 2016. After traveling to Florida on a family vacation, he decided he could not get enough of the warm weather and made the move from snowy Massachusetts to central Florida 8 years ago.
For the last decade Kyle has gained valuable experience in social media content creation, marketing and sales, writing, video production, sports announcing and even broadcasting for local radio stations, such as FM 102.9 in The Villages and FM 91.5 in Massachusetts. Every year he volunteers at The Villages Charter High School as a play-by-play sports announcer for the football games as well as a public address announcer for the basketball games, including the annual Battle at The Villages Tournament.
Outside the office Kyle is a husband and father to two beautiful girls along with their cat. In his spare time he likes to spend time with his family, travel, play golf and swim. He is also a huge sports junkie and even bigger motorsports fan and loves to attend racing events when he can.
