By Kyle Coppola
South Lake High’s Isaiah Pina Drawing D1 Football Offers
Known for his abilities on the basketball court, South Lake High School senior Isaiah Pina is quickly turning heads in a different sport, on the football field.
Pina, a 6-foot-6, 230-pound wide receiver, has transitioned seamlessly from basketball standout to gridiron prospect, showcasing elite athleticism and an “it” factor that has drawn the attention of Division I football programs across the country. Despite never having played a varsity football game, Pina comes into his senior year and has already received official offers from UNLV, Southern Miss, The Citadel, and others, with more expected as his senior season approaches.
“The kid is just an athlete,” South Lake head coach Brad Lord said. “They don’t make kids like this every day. He’s come in and he’s going to be a guy that can help us win football games.” You can watch some of Isaiah’s Hudl footage here.
(Pina will be one of the top wide outs to watch in 2025. Photo Credit – FHS7v7A College Link.)
Pina made a strong impression during the spring game, giving us a glimpse of what could be a breakout senior season. With a massive wingspan, strong hands, and a vertical leap that translates from the hardwood to the end zone, Pina is already being viewed as a top-tier target for college programs. And he needs to be. Guys like these don’t pop up everyday much less make a transition to football their senior year.
“He’s coachable, versatile, and his ball skills are off the charts,” Lord added. “He runs clean routes, goes up for contested catches, and brings a basketball player’s timing and body control to the football field.”
Pina will benefit from a solid supporting cast, including senior quarterback Tre Kelly, one of the most polished passers in Lake County and a rising 2025 prospect. With a returning offensive line expected to give Kelly time in the pocket, the Kelly-to-Pina connection could become one of the most dynamic duos in Central Florida this fall.
South Lake’s offense, powered by this two-sport phenom, may surprise opponents in 2025. Keep a close eye on this young man.
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.
