It’s no wonder the Port Charlotte Pirates have been a playoff favorite for the last few years. With Jordan Ingman at the helm for the past 15 seasons, Port Charlotte keeps getting stronger each year. The Dunbar Tigers are also a consistent playoff team, thanks to Head Coach Sammy Brown, who’s been leading them for 11 seasons. Darren Nelson is helping the Estero Wildcats move towards the postseason, and Richie Rode and the Bishop Verot Vikings are always ready to play anyone and usually do great.

The same head coach and team help the team build on what they’ve already achieved, rather than starting fresh every year. In Southwest Florida, 10 schools have new leadership this year, and 11 others have coaches, with many of the supporting staff returning for just their second year. Overall, almost 60% of the local schools are starting over or just in their second season in 2026. Winning programs take time to build, and it won't happen if the coaches change every season.

At Naples High, the staff does change a bit each year, but overall, the same coaches serve year after year. The results? Home playoff games for 16 years running! Bill Kramer, a Hall of Famer, started it all, and now Rick Martin is leading the charge. Even though some assistant coaches have left over the years, the team’s steady hand and dedication make sure the Freshmen, Junior Varsity, and Varsity teams all get the same guidance and support. It’s hard to say enough about how crucial the coaches are to the program’s success. Their dedication and service are truly unmatched in Southwest Florida. As the saying goes, “They must love their jobs because they are not in it for the hours or the pay. Go Eagles!”