It’s an understatement to say Rich Russell’s roots run deep in the Upper Keys. His great-great-grandparents were the first to settle in what is now Islamorada in 1854. A copy of the Russell family’s original land grant still hangs on the wall of the Coral Shores High School athletic director’s office.
There’s also a picture of a young Rich Russell from 1975, when he began playing for the University of Miami Hurricanes on a four-year football scholarship.
Numerous plaques celebrate the many impressive baseball and football seasons during Russell’s 47 years coaching at Coral Shores High School. He spent 34 of those years as the school’s athletic director.
“I was doing what I loved and I still love it,” Russell said while reflecting on his nearly 50-year career at the school, which felt more like a calling.
“I don’t think there’s anything more validating and gratifying than having the opportunity to shape or assist in a young person’s life,” he added.
When asked why he is retiring now, Russell simply said, “It’s time.”
Coral Shores High School has been a part of Russell’s life for 59 years. He attended grades 1 through 12 at Coral Shores High School, which at that time had all those grades. He left for college, and after four years, he decided to return to Coral Shores and started his career in teaching, coaching and administration in 1979.
“I’m actually blessed to be the winningest coach in football and baseball history here, but that sounds terribly conceited,” Russell said with his self-deprecating humor. “We had wonderfully talented kids that just bought into what we were doing,” he added.
Early on, Russell thought about a career in journalism and law but changed his mind.
“The more I got into it, the more I realized I could make money, but I didn’t think I’d be happy,” he said. Russell’s father died when he was in high school. As the man of the family, he wanted to be near his mother and sister. He also understood the effect coaches could have on their students.
“I lost my father when I was a sophomore. He passed away, so the people that had a great influence on me were my coaches,” said Russell.
“Starting with Roger Allen, who was a mentor, he had been here for a number of years. Everybody wanted to be like Coach Allen; he just touched so many lives,” he added.
Russell applied the lessons he learned from his coaches when he coached football and baseball at Coral Shores.
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“Particularly with coaching, you can work on their self-esteem, help with their self-discipline, improve their communication skills and introduce them to goals,” Russell said. “The other thing that’s critical is coping skills. Understanding that failure is not final; it’s a stepping stone, not a wall. It’s a fork in the road, not the end of the road.”
Rich Russell is something of a renaissance man. He owns a lobster business and a rental property business. He has been the board chair at the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation since its inception in 2013. He’s the administrative chair of the Matecumbe Methodist Church and he co-founded the Upper Keys Foundation in 2011 with Barnaby Rich. This nonprofit supports athletic needs at Coral Shores High School.
“We have a number of kids who want to participate in athletics but face financial challenges, so we try to help them,” said Russell.
On top of that, Russell is writing a book about the history of the Upper Keys and is passionate about writing gospel music. Over 50 of his songs have been recorded by various groups and individuals.
“Coach is probably going to be the busiest retired guy I know,” joked Ed Holly, Coral Shores’ new athletic director and head football coach.
Russell played a key role in bringing Holly back to Coral Shores in 2022 after he had left to coach college football and later coached at Westminster Christian School in Palmetto Bay.
“When it’s all said and done, my greatest contribution was helping to find my successor. He is the total package,” said Russell of Holly.
Even though he is retiring, Russell will remain a significant presence at Coral Shores.
“I’m going to keep my desk here. Ed has asked that I do, and I’m very open to that. I’m not ready to shut the door, but I’m also done with being here at 6:30 every morning,” said Russell.
Russell counts his wife, Mary, and his three grown children among his greatest blessings.
“God gave me an amazing wife and three wonderful children. I thank God for each of them daily,” he said.
As his career at Coral Shores comes to an end, Russell feels at peace knowing the athletic program and the school are in good hands.
“I can’t imagine having any other career that could have been as rewarding, fulfilling and enjoyable. I just thank God daily for the incredible blessings I’ve received.”
