Gabby Zevallos- Mustangs Ahead
(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL)- Lakewood Ranch High School’s (LRHS) softball program is gaining new energy this season under Head Coach Jeff Toscano, whose passion for the game has made him a welcomed leader on the Mustang’s field.
For Toscano, being at Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) was the next natural step in his journey deeply rooted in community and lifelong love of the game.
“I’ve lived in Lakewood Ranch since 2004,” he explained, “and I started working for the school district in 2022. When the opportunity came to coach softball here last year, I took it and it was an opportunity I was definitely thankful for.”
Toscano grew up playing baseball, and later watched his daughter fall in love with softball at just seven years old. That connection pulled him into coaching first at the recreational level and eventually in travel ball for eight years.
Last year, he served as the assistant LRHS coach where he discovered how much he enjoyed coaching at the high school level.
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When asked what he hopes to accomplish with the program, Toscano stated “Winning is always one of the goals, but my main focus is development. I want these girls to grow into competitive athletes who can play at the collegiate level if that is what they chose to do.”
Toscano has always admired Lakewood Ranch High School's Softball team for their strong winning tradition (two state titles). Now that he is a part of it, his respect has only grown.
“The girls work incredibly hard, and it shows every time they step onto the field—I’m excited to see them succeed this season,” Toscano expressed.