PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – Pasco-Hernando State College recently hired Mark Leonard as head coach for the women’s soccer team and promoted longtime men’s basketball assistant coach Larry Behm to head coach.
The moves come as the PHSC athletic department was faced with 2 vacancies weeks away from the start of the season.
“At one point I was concerned that we were going to have to cancel the soccer season facing the vacancy at three weeks out with no replacement, but I am very fortunate to have found an excellent experienced candidate in Coach Leonard and blessed to have coach Behm step-up and run the basketball program with his wealth of experience,” said Steven Winterling, PHSC athletic director.
Women’s Soccer
The Lady Bobcats, in their second overall season, will be on the road for the remainder of their fall games as the college negotiates a future facilities contract.
“We have a tough road ahead of us this season, but I know we can overcome adversity and grow as a team,” said Leonard.
Leonard is a familiar face in the area having led Wesley Chapel High School to four of the last five district titles.
“I’ve been coaching for 18 years and am excited to be a part of this up-and-coming organization,” said Leanord.
Leonard stated his focus this year will be building interest for the program and tapping into the abundance of talent throughout the Tampa Bay area while fostering relationships with the players and PHSC community.
The Lady Bobcats next game will be played against USC Lancaster on neutral ground at Daytona State College on Sep. 2. (at Polk State College on Sep. 9.)
Men’s Basketball
Larry Behm, a Central New York native, has been coaching basketball for more than 40 years with 13 of those at PHSC.
“We have a young team this year so the season will be competitive, but doable,” said Behm.
Behm stated it will be different without former coach Micheal Jones alongside him, but is excited to continue to lead the team.
“All the people are great in this organization including my very knowledgeable assistant coach Nick O’Neil, which makes it really easy to enjoy doing this,” said Behm.
According to Behm, the Bobcats plan on playing an up-tempo pressing game that should prove to be exciting basketball.
The Men’s basketball season opener will be at Hillsborough Community College on Nov. 2.
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