Pursuing perfection: How Windermere football has gone on historic 2024 run

Windermere High football coach Riki Smith is a thoughtful and effective communicator. 

One example of this is how he often, during interviews, will take pauses when asked a question — or even during a response — to find the perfect words that capture his desired response or intent. Another is how he communicates his message to his team, whether it is a pregame speech, a season’s theme that represents who that year’s group of players are or what they’re looking to accomplish, his fundamental standards that never change, or simply how he connects to the young men on his roster. 

Regardless of who the message is for or how it is being conveyed, Smith usually gets the message across, which is ultimately an incredible asset for any coach. 

One of his most consistent messages, which Smith makes sure is front and center for anyone and everyone — including coaches, players, administrators, media, fans and parents — around his program is about how each week is approached. 

So, when asked how he and his team would approach its chance to finish the regular season undefeated for the first time in school history, it’s no surprise his answer was a familiar one. 

“Our approach will be the same this week as it’s been all season,” Smith said. “We don’t intend to change a thing. Our focus is on going 1-0 every day.”

Not only can Smith effectively communicate this approach to preparation and focus on the next opponent throughout his program, but because of his most important belief as a coach, he’s able to get his players, coaching staff and program as a whole to buy into that hyper-focused approach — which has led to Smith become the most successful football coach in Windermere High’s young history.

“Going on my third season as head coach, it’s hard to look back and pinpoint what exactly led to the success we’re having this season,” he said. “However, I believe that in addition to developing the talent a young player has within them, the developer, AKA the coaches, must begin by building a genuine relationship with his players. I love and respect each member of my team as I do my own children.”

While effective — which is evident based on this historic season — Smith’s approach requires sacrifice, effort and, more than anything, time. But after two seasons of making those sacrifices, putting in that effort and giving the approach the time needed, Smith and the Wolverines have been able to see hard work pay off. 

“I’m extremely proud of our team’s discipline and hard work this season,” Smith said. “I’m also happy they have been rewarded for their maturity in this sport. … Seeing my boys’ efforts finally gaining recognition is incredible, and all I can say about it is, to God be the glory.”

Photo by TAMARA FORRESTER

Beyond winning the most games in school history, to demonstrate the outcome of the team’s buy-in, take a peek at Windermere’s individual players making major alterations to the program’s history books. 

Senior athlete Bryce Speed now holds the Wolverines’ single-season records for most receiving yards, receiving touchdowns and all-purpose yards. 

Senior quarterback Jack Reilly is the school’s career passing TD record holder and the single-season passing yards record holder. 

Senior lineman Daniel Bradley holds the program’s single-season sack record, while junior defensive back C.J. Bronaugh has the most interceptions in a season as well as the most interceptions returned for a TD. 

This type of season is special, and Smith, the players, and the entire Windermere High community have recognized it.

“We are all excited, humbled and thankful that God’s grace has been with us both through the wins and the losses these past few years,” Smith said. “Our community and administrators have been supportive throughout the years I have been head coach here at Windermere. Our fan base of parents, students and faculty have followed their leadership and have been there to cheer us on no matter the outcome, and for that, I am grateful.”