Lely Coach, Players Tops in SW Florida

While Lely High School's 30-year veteran soccer coach and their teenage Ukrainian girls basketball players are at vastly different stages of life, the trio were equally excited on Thursday, June 6, at Suncoast Arena at Florida SouthWestern State College. Soccer coach Robbie Schank and basketball players Sofiia Kiritsa and Oleksandra Rubanova were all award winners at the 2024 Southwest Florida Sports Awards, presented by Babcock Ranch. 

Schank, 49, who led the Trojans to the district championship this season, was deeply humbled by being named the Jeff Sommer Memorial Coach of the Year. The award is named in honor of the beloved Estero track and field coach who died at 58 from a heart attack at the state track meet in Jacksonville in 2015. Kiritsa was honored as the Girls Basketball Player of the Year. Kiritsa and Rubanova were honored as the Courage Award Recipients. 

Schank looked up to Sommer as a mentor.

"I'm very honored to win the Jeff Sommer Memorial Coach of the Year award this year,” Schank said. "This award runs deep with me. Mr. Sommer, I’ll never forget him and how he treated me when I would step foot onto his campus. He literally would be waiting at the door with a huge smile when I would step out of our bus to play his team in soccer. I would quickly get on his golf cart and we would talk for at least a half hour straight before my game. He was very proud of his kids and would update me on how well they were doing in their lives. When I was with him, I always felt like I was part of his family, and I always felt very comfortable around him as he mentored me throughout the years. Still till this day when I go to Estero High School for a soccer match, I reflect back to my quality time with Coach Sommer, he was a good man that I had the utmost respect and love for.”

The award couldn’t have come at a better time for Schank.

"To be honored with this award on my 30-year anniversary of coaching at Lely High School,” Schank said, "and shortly after my Lely Boys just won me another district championship in the toughest district in the state of Florida is just out of this world.”

Lely girls basketball coach Jalen Outten is equally proud of both of his star athletes, who helped to lead the Trojans to the regional finals - the school’s first since 1977. Kiritsa and Rubanova were forced to flee their home country in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. (See Coastal Breeze News story online “Trojan Girls Making Noise” and in the February 8, 2024 e-edition).

“It was pretty cool to see both girls receive awards,” Outten said. "They won the Courage Award together. The Courage Award basically recognizes someone that goes through trials and tribulations and overcomes and was successful through the season. It was good to recognize them for what they were going through mentally and how they were able to show the world that they could fight through adversity and be as successful as they were while worrying about what's going on at home. Then in addition, Sofiia was able to win the Player of the Year Award, which goes to the best female basketball player in Southwest Florida.”

Schank is appreciative of everyone who contributed to his award.

"It takes a Trojan Nation to make this possible,” Schank said. "From the top down: our principal, administration, athletic director, guidance counselors, teachers, coaches, local businesses, reporters, my players, and of course my family all win this award. One person alone could never win this prestigious award. I’m so grateful for everyone involved to make this epic night possible. Being a firefighter/paramedic for nearly 30 years, I’ve unfortunately seen some less desirable things when the (Fire Station Alert) tones drop and someone needs our help. Coaching at Lely has really helped me emotionally and mentally stay grounded and making it my outlet, my happy place.”

Outten said Kiritsa earned the Player of the Year Award with her outstanding performance. He is proud of the turnaround his team has made.

“It went by her stats,” Outten said. “Her stats proved that she was one of the best in the area. She took us to a regional final game after being 3-22 a year ago. I think she was well deserving of the award.” 

Schank said winning this award helps make up for the time spent away from his family.

"The time and commitment to coaching the Lely boys soccer program definitely takes away from being with my family,” Schank said. "It’s really tough sometimes because  I miss out on precious time and events with them. I’m just so thankful how supportive my wife Tiffany and family have been over the years helping me balance our busy family life and schedules as I coach and mentor my Lely boys year in and year out. I also would like to thank my athletic director, Madison Squeglia. If it wasn’t for her telling my story, none of this would have been possible. I am forever grateful for getting this opportunity to receive the most epic award of my high school coaching career in front of my family and friends. It's priceless. God willing, I look forward to another 30 years!”

Outten said both of his players were moved by their awards. 

"I think both of them were pretty happy and excited,” Outten said. "It was a big honor. I know Sofiia called her mom at 4 a.m. and let her mom know that she won player of the year. Both girls were excited and their awards were well deserved."