From Classroom To Court: Cade Cantrell (’23) Inspires Growth
October 2, 2025 | 2-3 min read
When Cade Cantrell graduated from Florida College in 2023 with a degree in liberal studies focused on education, he wasn’t exactly sure where life would take him. Just a year later, he’s found himself in two roles that let him do what he loves most, connecting with people and helping them grow.
Cade teaches 6th grade English Language Arts at Williams IB Middle Magnet School in Hillsborough County, and when he’s not in the classroom, you can find him at SH19, a private athletic club in Tampa. There, he works as a Pickleball and Padel professional, running events and coaching players of all ages.
“At both jobs, I get to meet people where they are and help them reach their goals. That’s what keeps me excited,” Cade said.
In his classroom, Cade works hard to create a family-like environment, something he says he learned at Florida College.
“At FC, I always felt like I was surrounded by family, even when I was miles away from home. A lot of my students come from tough situations, so I hope my classroom can be a safe and encouraging place for them,” he explained.
Looking back, Cade says the professors at FC made a huge impact on how he approaches teaching today.
“They loved what they did, and they cared about their students. They also showed us how to bring spiritual values into everyday life, which stuck with me,” he shared.
Outside of the classroom, sports have always played a big role in Cade’s life. He played soccer for two years at Florida College, which not only gave him lasting memories but also pushed him toward coaching. Now, in addition to coaching pickleball, he coaches multiple soccer teams and loves watching kids learn and grow in the game.
Right now, Cade’s focus is simple: to keep growing in the roles he’s in.
“I just want to be the best I can be where I’m at, whether that’s teaching, coaching, or working on the court.”
Cade’s experiences at Florida College continue to guide him as he creates places where people feel supported and inspired to grow. Whether in the classroom or on the court, he makes a positive impact wherever he goes.