FALL 2026 Ransom Everglades LOG 43 hockey, basketball and lacrosse in college. My favorite was lacrosse because of the free-flowing nature of the game. I had the privilege of attending Temple University and studying under Dr. Carole Oglesby. She is a pioneer, having been among the group of women’s sports activists responsible for girls and women making progress in the sporting world over the past five decades. I studied sports psychology and realized the remarkable impact of the mind-body connection. RE: When did you know you wanted to become a coach? PM: I cannot tell you exactly when; however, it was the influence from all my coaches over the years that gave me the confidence to attempt to share my interest and experience with others. I worked summer recreation and was a volunteer high school coach while still in undergraduate school. I found it very rewarding and fun! The Delaware Valley/ Philadelphia area in the late ’70s had amazing women coaches to whom I will be forever grateful for their impact on me. They were the epitome of dedication and professionalism. I became Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach at Drexel University in 1977. I found myself among a group of experienced, well-respected experts in women’s athletics. I was offered a fulltime position at Drexel if I would develop and coach their women’s volleyball team. (Note: I did not have too much volleyball experience.) I accepted the position and immediately immersed myself in the pursuit of volleyball knowledge. To the dozens of RE volleyball players who attended The World Volleyball Training Center in Huguenot, N.Y., I want you to know it was there under Scotty’s and Stephanie’s tutelage that I became the coach I was to all of you. RE: How did you come to work at RE? PM: I moved to Miami Shores from Philadelphia in 1987 to be a partner in a business venture. Unfortunately, serious health issues affected the financier and plans had to change. I enjoyed life as a tourist for about six weeks but found I missed the excitement of teaching and coaching. I attended a meeting of the Sports Society and met Russie Tighe, athletics director from Miami Jackson Senior High. I was offered and accepted a position at Miami Jackson as a permanent sub for the spring of 1987. Hoping to secure a full-time position elsewhere, I contracted a placement service for teachers. I received a call to take an interview at “a small school in Coconut Grove” with no other details other than they were seeking a health and PE teacher interested in coaching. I remember walking through the breezeway at RE, seeing the bay (before the gym and pool were built) and thinking to myself “this is a beautiful mini-college campus.” I met Head of School Frank Hogan and Department Chair of Physical Education Owen Paris and we sealed the deal. I will always remember the interview at that “small school in Coconut Grove” and how it changed my life. RE: What was your favorite part of coaching at RE? PM: The best parts of coaching were the relationships that developed and improvement observed. There were so many aspects involved in taking a team from the asphalt court on campus to the Southwest Boys Club to the Anderson gymnasium to the FHSAA finals. Witnessing the desire and dedication of each member of the team to become better every day and working together for a common cause was always the most fulfilling. The pride the players exuded was contagious and spread throughout campus. It was from their efforts and success that the “Bad in Black” evolved. Their work helped the program grow and flourish. I mentioned earlier in this article about how much I love team sports. The teams at RE were multi-layered. There were so many teams within a team: managers, scorekeepers, peer tutors, assistants, parents, friends, faculty, staff, administration and the media. Now I can say my favorite part of coaching is the long-lasting relationships that were forged during those endless hours we spent together. I love coming back to campus and seeing former players, who are now parents, in the stands watching their children learn about the team experience. I am watching my “grandplayers” from the bleachers now. RE: What do you miss the most? PM: The students and all of their energy. I always found it fun and challenging to try to stay one step ahead and keep their interest piqued. I had the opportunity to be in many different venues — PE class in the gym, field and waterfront, health class, coaching, class meetings, advisory meetings, to name a few. I also miss my colleagues who helped me more than they will ever know. I am forever grateful, and you know who you are. RE: What have you been up to in retirement? PM: I’m still hanging in and around water. I’ve traded Biscayne Bay for a backyard pool. My very cooperative students are two border collies (Max and Ripley – named after Sigourney Weaver from Alien). Since my retirement in 2020, I moved from the Grove to Port St. Lucie and then another move close to Jensen Beach. After the moves, we went into remodeling and pool construction mode. I’m always busy and truly enjoy our backyard resort. Returning to RE for the Athletic Hall of Fame, homecoming and Alumni Weekend are always highlights of each year. It’s wonderful to REconnect.
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