A New Era for Winter Haven Football
Corey Boatman was named the new head football coach at Winter Haven after Carl White left to take a position at Lakeland Christian. The appointment came after principal Ronda Cotter offered him the role, citing his unwavering dedication to students and his strong administrative abilities.
Boatman, who grew up in Cleveland, Tennessee, and played college football at Merville College, said he never imagined becoming a head coach but viewed the opportunity as a blessing. He accepted the position with enthusiasm, ready to lead the program forward.
Building on Recent Success
In his first weeks, Boatman has overhauled practice routines, introducing a more structured and organized approach that emphasizes discipline and teamwork. The roster has largely retained its players and much of the coaching staff, providing continuity as the team looks to build on its recent 6‑5 season, a marked improvement from a 1‑9 record the previous year.
Beyond the field, Boatman aims to make Winter Haven a destination where student‑athletes excel both athletically and academically. He leverages the school's open‑enrollment policy to attract talent from across the region, promising a culture that values education as much as sport.