Florida community raises $20K to gift longtime Pop Warner coach a new car

Coach Kenny Hodges surprised with a new vehicle after decades of service to local youth football program

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Winter Park, Florida community rallied together to raise $20,000 and surprise longtime Pop Warner football coach Kenny Hodges with a brand new car. Hodges, a military veteran, has spent over 30 years coaching and serving as a commissioner for the local youth football league, often struggling to get to away games due to an unreliable personal vehicle. In an emotional ceremony, Hodges' former players, coaches, and parents gathered to honor his coaching legacy before revealing the new car, ensuring the dedicated coach now has a reliable ride of his own.

Why it matters

Coach Hodges' story highlights the power of community support and how small gestures can make a big difference in the lives of selfless local heroes. The fundraiser also underscores the vital role that youth sports programs and volunteer coaches play in shaping young lives, often going above and beyond their duties.

The details

The surprise ceremony for Coach Hodges was organized by community member Katie Shouvlin, who noticed Hodges' struggle to get to away games due to his unreliable personal vehicle. Shouvlin and other local residents, including Hodges' former players and their families, secretly raised $20,000 to purchase a brand new car for the beloved coach. During the event, Hodges was initially presented with a lifetime achievement award before being led outside to discover the new car, leaving him visibly emotional and grateful for the community's outpouring of support.

  • The surprise ceremony for Coach Hodges took place on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
  • Hodges has been coaching and serving as a commissioner for the Winter Park Pop Warner program for over 30 years.

The players

Kenny Hodges

A military veteran and legendary figure for the Winter Park Tigers youth football program, having coached and served as a commissioner for over 30 years.

Katie Shouvlin

A community member who organized the secret fundraiser to purchase a new car for Coach Hodges.

Anthony Hurd

A fellow coach who praised Hodges' impact on the local youth football program, stating "If it wasn't for Kenny and a couple of other coaches, I don't think we'd still be around right now."

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What they’re saying

“If it wasn't for Kenny and a couple of other coaches, I don't think we'd still be around right now.”

— Anthony Hurd, Fellow coach (WESH)

“We've had kids that are in middle school give out of their savings account just because they're like, 'We're going to help Coach Kenny? Of course, we'll do anything for Coach Kenny'.”

— Katie Shouvlin, Fundraiser organizer (WESH)

“It's beautiful, man, I didn't know all these people cared about me.”

— Kenny Hodges (WESH)

What’s next

The community plans to continue supporting Coach Hodges and the Winter Park Tigers youth football program, ensuring he has the resources and transportation needed to continue his decades-long coaching legacy.

The takeaway

This heartwarming story demonstrates the profound impact that community-driven initiatives can have on the lives of selfless local heroes. By rallying together to support Coach Hodges, the Winter Park community has not only provided him with a reliable vehicle but also reinforced the vital role that volunteer coaches play in shaping young lives through sports.