By Kyle Coppola
South Sumter High Mourns The Loss of Quarterbacks Coach Garhett Miller
BUSHNELL, Fla. — The South Sumter High School football community is mourning the tragic loss of Quarterbacks Coach Garhett Miller, a beloved mentor, former player, and influential figure in the Raiders program.
Miller, a 2021 South Sumter graduate and former quarterback for the Raiders, returned to his alma mater to guide the next generation of players with the same passion and leadership that defined his time on the field. He passed away unexpectedly this week, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and heart that resonated deeply throughout the program.
“With heavy hearts, we remember Coach Garhett Miller — a beloved mentor, friend, and leader of young men,” the team said in a statement. “As the Quarterbacks Coach for South Sumter High School, Coach Miller poured his passion, knowledge, and heart into every snap, every huddle, and every player he coached.”
Miller’s role transcended the football field. Known for his steady presence and commitment to personal growth, he inspired athletes to be better not only in sport but in life.
“He wasn’t just a coach — he was a teacher of life, a motivator, and a steady presence on and off the field,” the team said. “His impact extended far beyond the game of football, shaping character, inspiring discipline, and reminding every athlete what it meant to be a Raider.”
Miller’s coaching tenure was marked by quiet leadership, fierce loyalty, and an unwavering belief in the potential of his players. His influence will continue to be felt in the program he helped shape.
“Garhett’s legacy will live on in every touchdown pass, every locker room speech, and in the brotherhood of South Sumter Football,” the team said. “Though he may no longer walk the sidelines, his spirit will always be with us — under the lights on Friday nights and in the hearts of those he mentored.”
“Rest easy, Coach. We’ll take it from here,” the team’s message concluded.
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.
