Leadership: Important to Athletic Success

By Maria Perez-Ribas

Hillsborough Community College offers students the opportunity to either support or be part of many athletic teams, such as baseball, softball, tennis, volleyball, and men’s or women’s basketball. Behind the players that shine on HCC’s Hawks, teams are coaching staff members whose experience and dedication translate to success for their teams. The Head Coach of the HCC Hawks Baseball Team is Gary Calhoun, who has had the opportunity to work with some of baseball’s finest throughout his professional life, as he has managed and coached in Milwaukee, Detroit, and New York. Todd Harvey, Brandon locks, and Mike Sodders are the Assistant Coaches and have years of important baseball experience between them. Derrick Worrels is the Head Coach of the Hawks men’s Basketball Team which has made three consecutive state tournament appearances. Coach Worrels also has a Master’s Degree in Psychology from National Louis University. neil Risher is the Associate Head Coach, and Ahmy Arca is the Assistant Coach. Three of the team’s players have recently signed with four-year colleges and universities to play basketball and continue their studies. HCC also has a successful Women’s Basketball Team, the lady Hawks. With eight players from Florida and one from New York, the team finished the
2004-2005 season with an 11-18 record and nearly reached the Region VIII State Tournament. Steve Taylor, the Head Coach, is a former HCC student and was named to the Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. The team’s Assistant Coaches are Donna Carr, Jim Thomas, and Shanette Thomas. The lady Hawks’ Softball Team has enjoyed Ray Seymour as its Head Coach for his 15th season this year. Seymour is the director of the Tampa Mustangs organization, which was founded to promote softball among local youngsters. Gene Badia is the team’s Assistant Coach. The Softball Team practices at HCC Brandon and plays at Plant City Stadium. Another women’s team, the lady Hawks Tennis Team, is proudly ranked number three among Florida two-year colleges started this season with a road trip to Jacksonville and St. Augustine. The team’s Head Coach is Chad Berryhill, who has a specialized degree in Professional Tennis management and is a certified tennis professional. Berryhill was named Michigan Regional Coach of the Year in 2005. Steve Smith is the team’s Associate Head Coach. The lady Hawks Volleyball Team has eleven members from all over Florida, plus one team member from Puerto Rico. The Team’s Head Coach, Gary Larkin, was honored as USA Volleyball Coach of the Year in 2001. larkin also directs the Sandspurs Volleyball Club in the spring. HCC’s Athletic Director is Dr. Frank Babcock, and Ernie Black is the Athletic Trainer. Further information about HCC Athletics, such as team news, rosters, contacts, game schedules, game results, and more are available at http://www.hccfl.edu/athletics/.