St. Thomas Aquinas High School (STA) has long been associated with dominance in athletics. The school’s athletic program has won over 100 state titles, making it a national success story in addition to a South Florida one. STA has continuously produced outstanding athletes, including Olympians and professional sports players. In 2005, Sports Illustrated named it the third-best high school athletic program in the nation. MaxPreps went on to name it the best program. But without the commitment and knowledge of its coaches, this legacy would not be feasible.
Among the notable coaches who have influenced STA’s athletic history, Coach Carlos Giron and Coach George Smith stand out. Their recent well-earned rankings as two of MaxPreps top 100 coaches of all time are evidence of their outstanding contributions to the school’s illustrious program.
Coach Carlos Giron made a lasting impression on STA and South Florida athletics over his 38 years as head coach of the Lady Raiders’ soccer department. The Lady Raiders set a new benchmark for girls’ athletics under his direction, winning an astounding 15 state titles. Coach Giron is more than simply a strategist; he is a mentor who encouraged numerous young ladies to succeed on and off the field. His career has been distinguished by his ability to assemble successful teams while instilling in his players a sense of character and perseverance. Giron influenced the lives of generations of sportsmen, and his impact goes far beyond winning titles.
Coach George Smith is equally famed for transforming STA’s football program into a national force. In his 34 years as head football coach, Smith guided the Raiders to an incredible 361 wins with just 66 losses and six state championship crowns. His inventive tactics, dedication to perfection, and rigorous approach took STA football to new heights. Smith created a program that prioritized ethics, teamwork, and the growth of young men as leaders and athletes, so his influence went beyond victories and awards. The fact that so many of his players have succeeded in both college football and the NFL is evidence of the foundation he laid for them in their early years.
Coaches Giron and Smith’s selection as MaxPreps Top 100 high school coaches of all time highlights the crucial contributions they played in creating STA’s athletic success. In addition to bringing great pride to the St. Thomas Aquinas community, their decades-long dedication has served as a model for coaches around the country.
Their accomplishments are a vital part of STA’s lasting legacy as it continues to dominate high school athletics. They have shaped the lives of innumerable players and solidified STA’s standing as a national powerhouse, and their influence extends well beyond the scoreboard.
