By Kyle Coppola
MDCA Football Player Blake Banks Commits to Stetson University
Mount Dora Christian Academy defensive standout Blake Banks has signed to continue his football career at Stetson University.
The senior from Mount Dora helped lead MDCA to the Sunshine State Athletic Association State Championship game this season, finishing state runner-up and capping a stellar high school tenure with the Bulldogs.
Blake delivered an exceptional senior campaign, recording a team-high 9 interceptions. He also contributed 54 tackles on defense and had countless pass breakups this year.
Over the course of his high school career, Blake amassed 17 interceptions and became one of the top defensive secondary players in Central Florida. He is a 2-time First Team All State and 2-time FACA All-District Player.
His path to this standout final season started early, with his father and older brother introducing him to the sport and serving as key influences.
“My dad and brother have always been my biggest supporters and role models,” Blake says. “They taught me the importance of hard work and dedication, and that’s something I try to bring to the field every day.”
Blake is guided by his strong faith, drawing inspiration from John 15:13 and the motto, “No Greater Love.” At MDCA, he and fellow students value the opportunity to attend a school that emphasizes spiritual growth alongside academics and athletics.
Many NCAA Division 1 athletes have come from MDCA the past few years. Most notably Reggie Virgil who just played in the NCAA College Football Playoffs at the Orange Bowl.
Athletic Director Megan Ziegelhofer has lauded Blake for his leadership and overall impact on the program.
“Blake is the epitome of what we want in a student-athlete,” Ziegelhofer says. “He’s been with us since sixth grade and has grown into one of the most dedicated players we’ve ever had. He’s a captain who leads with integrity and accountability, and he’s just as committed to being a great person off the field as he is to being a great player on it.”
Ziegelhofer added, “We are truly lucky to have Blake in our program. He’s a top-tier athlete, but more importantly, he’s a fantastic individual.”
Congratulations to Blake Banks along with his family, friends, coaches and everyone who’s had an impact on this young man’s life. Blake joins a large group of MDCA Athletes who recently signed with their respective colleges and universities.
That list includes:
• Katie Bayly – Rutgers University | Softball
• Emmi Bowman – University of Notre Dame | Softball
• Lily Bryant – University of West Florida | Softball
• Raelyn Richardson – Seminole State College | Softball
• Braden Warning – Erskine College | Baseball
• Jake Hair – Southeastern University | Baseball
• Jacob Calton – Tallahassee State College | Baseball
• Roberto Castillo – Keiser University | Football / Track & Field
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.
