"The Panther Way"

Izabel Clemens, Cross Country All-County Selection, shows why she was selected (Photo: Timothy Henson).
Harlan Riley Smith, Student Writer
The Gulf Coast Eight is more than just an athletic conference—it’s a hub of high school sports excellence in Citrus and Hernando County, Florida. Among the standout schools in this dynamic league is Lecanto High School, which exemplifies the values, spirit, and talent that define the conference. Comprising eight schools from Citrus and Hernando counties, the Gulf Coast Eight brings together various athletes and teams. While each institution contributes to the league's success, Lecanto High School consistently shines for its athletic accomplishments and unwavering academic and character development commitment. They adhere to the school motto of achieving greatness together for every Panther every day. It is ‘The Panther Way!’.
Lecanto’s athletic program allows students to compete at the highest levels in sports such as football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball, and track. Over the years, the school has cultivated a reputation for producing disciplined athletes who excel on and off the field. The Panthers’ dedication to training, teamwork, and sportsmanship has made Lecanto a respected competitor within the Gulf Coast Eight. It has produced an unmatched number of All-Conference selections, Players of the Year, and Coaches of the Year.
“My stats set me apart because I had a high percentage of kills, serves, and blocks. I also worked hard in the off-season with club volleyball, which helped me prepare for the high school regular season. My commitment and dedication to my teammates and coaches were my driving force; I didn’t win the award necessarily; my team won it with me,” Devin Pulham, Volleyball All County Selection, said.
Looking to the future, Lecanto High School athletics are poised for continued success. Youth sports programs, coaching, and infrastructure investments ensure a steady talent pipeline. As a cornerstone of the conference, Lecanto will undoubtedly remain a driving force, inspiring young athletes to reach new heights while continuing to embody the values of teamwork, perseverance, and excellence.
“My first reaction was shock, and I feel honored to represent Lecanto. Goals-wise, I want to get better and improve,” Izabel Clemens, Cross Country All-County Selection, said.
What sets Lecanto apart is its holistic approach to sports. Coaches and staff emphasize the importance of academics, ensuring that students balance their athletic commitments with classroom excellence. Many Lecanto athletes maintain high GPAs, demonstrating that success on the field goes hand in hand with success in life. This balance is a cornerstone of the Lecanto High School Athletic Program, and Lecanto’s student-athletes exemplify this ideal.
“Maintaining a high GPA is essential for post-secondary goals after high school. Getting good grades opens opportunities for the next steps in life; it is not simply about being able to play sports, but what the sport can teach you; always remember sometimes a team needs a player, as much as the player needs a team” Peter Rausch, Athletic & Activities Director, said.
The school’s athletic program also emphasizes community involvement through service leadership, encouraging students to give back through volunteering and mentorship. This focus on character-building ensures that Lecanto athletes grow as competitors, leaders, and young role models within Citrus County.
“It feels good to be selected as a Player of the Year; given that it's happened more than once in multiple sports, I am extremely humbled. It's very tough to balance academics and athletics because of the high demands. I feel I must constantly maintain a balance between who I am, my family, school, community, and my faith. I cannot allow one aspect to overtake another, and I work every day to be the best I can be in life and athletics. I hope to inspire teammates and others to work hard in whatever they choose to reach their goals, and Mine is to lead my teams to victories and championships.” JT Tipton, Football Offensive Player of the Year, said.