ALUMNI PROFILE
Matthew Coker
PHSC offers a variety of organized sports programs for its students to enjoy . Although at first glance one might consider the benefits to be purely athletic or onedimensional , students of PHSC quickly learn that their lessons delve much deeper than that . Through the support and encouragement of his parents , PHSC alum Matthew Coker participated on many athletic teams as a young man but was ultimately drawn to baseball . He chose to attend PHSC with aspirations to be a member of the team . His father , Steve Coker , remembers the hard work his son put in . Matthew wasn ’ t the biggest player on the field but what he lacked in stature he made up for in skill and determination . When Matthew first came to his father with his goals in mind , Steve told his son , “ Leaders like options and more than one opportunity .” Those words rang true as Matthew certainly became a leader on the field and a valued member of the PHSC baseball team . After attending and playing for two years at Pasco Hernando State College , Matthew was offered an opportunity and scholarship at Embry-
Riddle Aeronautical University . The Coker family credits three key leaders as an extension of Matthew ’ s success : Coach Lyndon Coleman ,
Steve Winterling , and Bob Bade , Ed . D . Their commitment not only to the college but the community is immeasurable . Under their leadership , athletes participate in community events that highlight their responsibilities and influences both on and off the field . Their lessons transcend any classroom and show their students what “ right looks like ,” Steve Coker adds ,
“ As parents of an athlete , we are eternally grateful !” Matthew and his teammates developed proficiencies which built their character and abilities both on and off the field personally , socially and professionally . The experiences of the Coker family are outstanding but not an anomaly ; PHSC students graduate from our institution carrying on the legacy of excellence , integrity , success , equity , and community . They are equipped for life outside of academia and carry everlasting abilities .
Matthew , far right , joins fellow baseball alumni at PHSC ’ s West Campus
Written by Danielle Knight
SPRING 2022 31