Mia Morelli - Mustangs Ahead
(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) - When LRHS football coach Scott Paravicini was recently diagnosed with cancer, support came quickly... and it started with the players themselves. Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) has rallied around the coach with a student-led GoFundMe.
According to Lakewood Ranch Touchdown Club President Rhiannon Hutchinson, the idea for a GoFundMe wasn’t originally hers, instead, it was the team that took the first step.
“The morning that Scott told the players about his diagnosis, they took it upon themselves—headed up by LRHS senior Caua Magno—and set up the GoFundMe,” Hutchinson said. “They all donated on their own, and I knew nothing about it until another parent sent it to me because she thought it was so sweet of the boys to do that.”
What started as a small gesture quickly grew into something much bigger. As the fundraiser gained attention across the community, Hutchinson was added to help manage the account, and the coach—known by most as “Coach P”—was informed.
What stood out the most to Hutchinson was the sincerity behind the donations.
“I was so moved by the fact that the donations were all $10–$20 and given by the players themselves,” she said. “The original intent was just for them to raise a few hundred dollars and surprise him.”
“So many of the staff, previous player families and students contributed to the GoFundMe, and all of our football coaches have really jumped in and stepped up to fill in for whatever is needed if ‘Coach P’ needs to be out," Hutchinson said. "From students to staff, everyone has been so thoughtful and generous."
Paravicini described the community’s response as “Nothing but supportive.” and expressed that “Everyone has offered well wishes and helped me when I needed it. I couldn’t ask to be involved with a better community than the one that I am a part of.”
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The fundraiser has already surpassed its initial goal, reaching $22,000 in a short period of time. Hutchinson explained that the GoFundMe platform automatically increases the goal once it’s met, allowing support to continue growing.
Regarding his health, Paravicini said, “My health situation at the current moment is still focused on getting better. My surgery was successful, but I am still working through chemo and still having problems associated with that.”
Beyond the donations, Hutchinson emphasized the lasting impact Coach Paravicini has had on the program and school.
“Coach P has made such a difference in the culture of the football program,” she emphasized. “He always has a smile on his face and a positive attitude… he treats the group like a family, and I think that has made such a difference.”
That sense of family is reflected not only in the team’s response to adversity, but also in its success. The Lakewood Ranch football team is the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Academic Team Champions, holding the highest GPA average among 6A football programs in the state.
Looking forward, Paravicini is focused on both his recovery and the future of LRHS football. “My plans are to continue to lead the program to the best of my ability. I am fully committed to both the school and the football program during this time, and I believe in the young men that are involved in the program and the students that attend this school,” he explained.
In a moment of hardship, the team’s character has stood, showing that their strength goes far beyond football.