Cypress Creek High School coach Phyllis Crain was named among the first three recipients of a new award recognizing Pasco County coaches for their influence on students beyond athletics.

Crain was recognized alongside Christopher Loth of Wiregrass Ranch High School and Terry Bailey of Starkey Ranch K-8 during the Pasco County School Board's Tuesday, Oct. 6, meeting.

The Beyond the Game award, a partnership between Pasco County Schools and the Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation, honors coaches who help students succeed academically, demonstrate good citizenship and develop life skills.

The inaugural recipients were selected after the district received more than 300 nominations.

Cypress Creek celebrated Crain's recognition on social media, thanking her for the impact she makes on the Coyotes community.

Award recognizes coaches beyond athletic success

The Beyond the Game program launched during the 2026-27 school year to recognize coaches across all sports.

Unlike awards based on wins, championships or athletic performance, the program focuses on how coaches support students in classrooms and throughout their school communities.

Toni Zetzsche, chief impact officer for Pasco County Schools, explained the program's goals in an Oct. 5 interview with Tampa Bay 28.

"These are coaches who are not just worried about what's happening on the field, but they're worried about what's happening off the field too," Zetzsche said.

She said the honorees encourage academic achievement, good citizenship and responsible behavior while supporting students through challenges.

Zetzsche also emphasized the importance of the Lightning's involvement, saying the partnership demonstrates the value of local schools and students to major community organizations.

Lightning partnership will honor 12 coaches

Beyond the Game expands an existing partnership between Pasco County Schools and the Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation.

The organizations have previously worked together to introduce street hockey in schools and provide opportunities for students to earn physical education credits through hockey.

Under the new recognition program, 12 coaches will be honored during the school year, with three recipients recognized at each of four School Board meetings.

Each recipient receives a commemorative hockey stick and may be featured during a Tampa Bay Lightning home game.

The program is open to coaches from different sports and school levels, reflecting the district's goal of recognizing mentorship and leadership throughout its athletic programs.

Wesley Chapel-area schools represented

Two of the first three honorees work at schools serving the greater Wesley Chapel area.

Crain represents Cypress Creek High School, home of the Coyotes, while Loth represents Wiregrass Ranch High School, home of the Bulls.

Bailey represents Starkey Ranch K-8.

Their recognition highlights the role school coaches play in supporting students beyond practices and competitions.

The next Pasco County School Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 6 p.m. The district has not confirmed whether the next Beyond the Game recipients will be announced at that meeting.