By Kyle Coppola
Leesburg Coach Steven Moffett Leaving for The First Academy Orlando
Leesburg, FL – After a transformative season at Leesburg High, Head Coach Steven Moffett has announced his departure to join The First Academy (TFA) in Orlando. Per Leesburg High School Principal Michael Randolph, “Moffett, who led the Yellow Jackets to an impressive 10-2 record, is leaving a lasting impact on the program he took over just one season ago. I can confirm that he is indeed leaving for TFA Orlando.”
(Leesburg Principal Michael Randolph stands left with head coach Steven Moffett right.)
Leesburg High Principal Randolph expressed gratitude for Moffett’s contributions, stating, “We cannot reiterate how thankful we are to Coach Moffett and his staff for everything they provided us this season and what Leesburg football can be.” He added that “Coach Moffett is committed to aiding the school in transitioning to a new head coach.”
Principal Randolph acknowledged Moffett’s decision to join TFA, saying, “This was a completely amicable situation, and we wish Coach Moffett and his staff nothing but the best in the future.”
Moffett’s tenure marked a remarkable turnaround for Leesburg, elevating the team from a 2-8 record in 2022 to a stellar 10-2 performance. Despite falling short in the 3A playoffs against Lake Wales, the Yellow Jackets displayed resilience in a close 17-10 battle in the Regional Semi-Finals against the defending state champions.
In an interview with the Orlando Sentinel, Moffett clarified his decision, emphasizing the opportunity to bring his coaching staff to TFA. He stated, “While the decision was not about personal gain, it was being able to take care of his coaches,” highlighting the compensation offered to his coaching staff. The link to that article is here: Orlando Sentinel Article]
Moffett, the owner of 3MG Roofing and Solar, worked for Leesburg for free this season and had previously done the same at Winter Park before coaching at Leesburg. Reports suggest that some members of the Leesburg coaching staff may be joining Moffett at TFA, although specific details have not been verified. We will update with further information when we have it.
As Leesburg faces the uncertainty of the 2024 season, the community hopes for the right individuals to step in and continue the positive trajectory established by Moffett. Reflecting on Moffett’s coaching style, one observer noted his unconventional approach, drawing parallels to Coach Dion Sanders, stating, “He will be successful no matter where he coaches at or what he does in life. He is just that kind of person.”
The Leesburg community wishes Coach Steven Moffett the best of luck, eagerly anticipating the announcement of the next head coach to guide the Yellow Jackets in the near future.
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.
