August 16, 2024
Rebecca Broadway Named New Head Coach of Tavares High School Girls Volleyball Team
By Kyle Coppola
Rebecca Broadway Named New Head Coach of Tavares High School Girls Volleyball Team
TAVARES, Fla. — Tavares High School has announced the appointment of Rebecca Broadway as the new head coach of the girls volleyball team. Broadway, a Lake County native, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the Bulldogs as they prepare for the upcoming season. Broadway replaces coach Alisha Wintersdorf who took over the Lake-Sumter State College Volleyball program.
“I’m honored to be the new head coach of the Tavares Bulldogs,” Broadway said. “It’s especially meaningful for me to lead a team in the same community where I first fell in love with the sport.”
(Coach broadway brings extensive experience and even has professional coaching experience.)
Broadway’s journey in volleyball began in Lake County, where she played during her youth. Her coaching career spans multiple levels, from elementary and middle school teams with Minneola Community Sports to a 16U team in Ocoee. Her focus on teaching strong fundamentals and proper form has been a hallmark of her coaching philosophy, helping players avoid injuries and develop lasting habits.
One of Broadway’s most cherished experiences was her partnership with the Boys and Girls Club in Clermont. There, she provided free mini-lessons to club members aged 6-17, many of whom came from challenging socioeconomic backgrounds. Her work not only helped young athletes improve their volleyball skills but also boosted their confidence. She also organized weekly summer tournaments and aided many players in preparing for school team tryouts, with several going on to make their teams.
(Players like Sammi Beatty are looking forward to playing for coach Broadway. They look to build upon the success the success of coach Wintersdorf who finished with a 61-31 record at Tavares High.)
Last year, Broadway served as the founding head coach of Aurelia Cole Academy’s inaugural volleyball team, leading the squad to the best record in the school’s athletics department. “Aurelia Cole’s legacy in Lake County is unmatched,” Broadway said. “As an African American woman, I am deeply inspired by her and honored to have had the opportunity to lead the school team.” Coach Broadway knows a thing or two about leadership. She is the daughter of Clermont Police Chief Charles Broadway who is the first African-American police chief in Clermont.
(Like father like daughter. Leadership runs in the Broadway family. Clermont Police Chief Charles Broadway is the first african-american police chief in Clermont. He is the father of Tavares Volleyball head coach Rebecca Broadway.)
Earlier this year, Broadway gained experience on the administrative side of coaching while working with the Orlando Valkyries, Orlando’s first professional volleyball team, during their inaugural season. She credits this opportunity with broadening her understanding of what it takes to lead a successful program.
As she steps into her new role at Tavares High School, Broadway is committed to fostering not only strong athletes but also strong minds. “Supporting the mental health of young athletes is at the core of my beliefs as a coach,” she said. “I strive to make a positive impact on the lives of youth in our community.”
With her extensive experience and deep-rooted connection to Lake County, Broadway is eager to lead the Bulldogs to success. “I’m excited to bring my experience and enthusiasm to the varsity level,” she said. “And I’m looking forward to leading the Bulldogs to victory!”
Tavares High School’s volleyball season kicks off this fall, with high hopes under the leadership of Coach Rebecca Broadway! Go Bulldogs!
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.
