We sit down with Coach Tommy Butler to map the identity of Key West High School basketball—defense first, relentless pace, and a standard built on connection. Discussing feeder programs to family legacy on Bill Butler Court, the path back to district glory runs through toughness, shooting reps, and the community that shows up.

• team identity of pressure defense, rebounding, and transition
• renewed shooting focus and no-missed-layups standard
• home schedule highlights and revived rivalries
• seniors to watch and evolving roles
• coaching staff strengths and essential volunteers
• youth pipeline via Southernmost Ballers, PAL, Storm Surge, Salt Life, and HOB
• lessons from the 2012 run and college experience
• Butler family legacy and what Conch Pride means
• family support, traditions, and building lifelong connections

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We celebrate Special Olympics champion and Hall of Famer Jennifer Averett, from Seattle gold to Key West homecomings, and explore how volunteers, coaches, and art fuel her life of Conch Pride. Stories span three decades of competition, deep family roots, and a call to support  Monroe County athletes.

• Thirty-plus years competing across stand-up paddle, swimming, soccer, cycling
• Seattle national games gold and the airport homecoming
• Hall of Fame induction and what it represents
• Coaches and volunteers who shape success
• Health Messenger role and athlete wellness
• State games results and upcoming selections for 2026
• Fundraiser at Fausto’s for Team Florida travel
• Monroe County athlete numbers and unified partners
• Professional art at Guild Hall Gallery on Duval
• Family lineage tied to Key West history and leaders
• Personal definition of Conch Pride and community

If you enjoyed this episode, drop a review, share, and subscribe because there's a lot of good stuff on tech. You can also follow Bring Joy on YouTube and Instagram, or check my website at joynulisch.com. Now go bring joy to the people in your world.

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In this conversation, Joy Nulisch speaks with Atavia about the inception and mission of Helping Hands of the Florida Keys, a nonprofit organization created to support working-class families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss the importance of community trust, the challenges of running a nonprofit, and the significance of family legacy in community service. Atavia shares personal stories about the impact of the organization, especially during the holiday season, and emphasizes the need for confidentiality and support for teenagers. The conversation highlights the spirit of giving in Key West and the importance of oratory skills and family traditions in fostering community involvement.

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We sit with community champion Michelle Mira Cohen to trace how the Key West Junior Football League blends legacy, and service into a living tradition on George Mira Field. It takes a village keeps Conch pride alive.

• Legacy of George Mira and meaning of the field name
• 24 years of service and the league’s 63-year history
• Community outreach, celebrity chain gang, and volunteers
• Honoring coaches and naming the press box for Wayne Goldstein
• Giving back to the city
• All-star games, raffles, and travel support
• Family ties, alumni pride, and next-gen leadership
• School memories at Mary Immaculate and lifelong bonds
• What brings joy: family, kids, and service

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A true Conch story of how a simple kickball league becomes a weekly ritual, keeps families close, and turns local pride into action. Michael Henriquez shares how mentors, multi-sport grit, and a deep family legacy shape coaching, camps, and community.

• Why a weekly kickball league beats one-day tournaments
• How “mid-game madness” cards make play inclusive and fun
• Eight teams, playoffs planned, and a kids’ day on deck
• Family nights at the ballpark and community connection
• Baseball camps, mentors, and giving young players their flowers
• Multi-sport values and the case for football plus baseball
• Conch family roots, lineage of catchers, and public service
• The Joy of Raising kids in Key West and seeing your kids thrive with family and tradition

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We share how a small island built a big-time wrestling culture, and why adversity, family, and year-round work keep Key West competing with anyone. Coach Chaz traces the program’s roots, his own injury-to-purpose journey, and the rise of girls’ wrestling.

• founding of the Conch Republic Wrestling Club and early mentors
• synergy between wrestling and football for leverage, footwork and mindset
• state placers, record-setters and the validation of first titles
• injury, identity loss and returning home to coach with purpose
• coaching philosophy built on relationships and individual needs
• launch and rapid growth of girls’ wrestling
• 2025 season highlights and athletes to watch
• year-round training in folkstyle, freestyle and Greco
• balancing multi-sport goals with mat time realities
• travel distance, funding pressure and competitive scheduling
• transfers, NIL and why culture beats convenience
• Key West lineage, community support and one-town loyalty

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Miguel Menendez, head coach of Tampa Jesuit Tigers baseball, shares his journey from Key West to leading one of Florida's premier high school programs. His deep family roots in baseball and coaching philosophy emphasize character development alongside athletic excellence.

• Comes from a legendary Key West baseball family including grandfather "Papa John" Menendez, "the Dean of Kennedy Drive"
• Won state championship as a player at Key West High in 1995 and national championship at University of Tampa
• Has led Tampa Jesuit to three state championships during his 12-year tenure
• Developed numerous MLB players including first-round draft pick Jamie Arnold
• Maintains strong connections to Key West, hosting annual Dexter Butler fundraiser and youth camp
• Teaches sports in U.S. history at Jesuit, connecting with students beyond the baseball field
• Emphasizes that "how you do anything is how you do everything" in developing young men
• Believes in balancing analytics with the human element and gut instinct in coaching
• Looking forward to 2026 season with what could be his most talented team yet
• Credits hours spent in his grandfather's batting cage behind John's Grocery for his development

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Andrew Freeman, Key West High School's Athletic Director, shares an inside look at the thriving sports programs and upcoming season for the Conchs. The conversation covers everything from their exciting football victory to the breadth of sports offerings and student participation.

• Football team secured a thrilling 35-34 win against Homestead with over 400 yards rushing
• The Van Carthon Preseason Classic honored NFL executive and Key West alum Ran Carthon
• Key West secured 8 home football games this season, reducing travel costs and increasing fan attendance
• Nearly half the student body (500-600 of 1350 students) participates in athletics
• Fall sports include football, volleyball, swimming, golf, and cross country
• Key West produced its first-ever four-sport athlete last year in Kieran Smith
• Volleyball program expanded to include freshman, JV, and varsity teams
• Swim coach Lori Bosco is beginning her 30th year leading the program
• Boys soccer won their first district tournament in 10 years last season
• The school maintains strong academic standards with many scholar-athletes maintaining 3.5+ GPAs

Join us at upcoming games to support these dedicated student-athletes. Follow Key West High School Athletics for schedules and updates on all Conch sports programs.

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When a lifelong Miami Marlins supporter and a devoted Yankees fan cross paths at LoanDepot Park, baseball magic happens. Abel Restrain radiates pure passion for America's pastime, captivating everyone around him with his infectious energy and encyclopedic knowledge of the game.

Abel's journey from Nicaragua—where baseball reigns supreme—to becoming Miami's most enthusiastic Marlins fan offers a fascinating glimpse into how baseball creates identity and community. His vivid storytelling transports us through Marlins history, from their inaugural 1993 season through their World Series triumphs to today's promising young squad. With particular delight, Abel celebrates the Marlins' distinction as the only MLB team with a winning all-time record against the mighty Yankees.

What truly shines is Abel's commitment to passing baseball traditions to future generations. His daughters haven't missed an Opening Day since birth, creating a visual timeline with annual photos in the same stadium location. As he awaits the arrival of his son, Abel reflects on baseball's power to unite families across generations.

The conversation weaves through fascinating territory—from the pioneering women in the Marlins' front office to the electric atmosphere of the World Baseball Classic, where Abel witnessed his native Nicaragua compete on the international stage. His firsthand accounts of South Florida's rich baseball culture reveal why the region consistently produces exceptional talent.

Abel's "Mount Rushmore" of Marlins legends—Giancarlo Stanton, Miguel Cabrera, Dontrelle Willis, and Josh Johnson—becomes a heartfelt tribute to players who brought joy beyond mere statistics. His honorable mention of José Fernández reminds us of baseball's capacity to inspire both celebration and profound connection.

Whether you're a dedicated Marlins fan, a baseball historian, or simply someone who appreciates authentic passion, this episode captures why baseball remains America's most storied sport—a game that transcends rivalries and connects us to something larger than ourselves.

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Coach Judd Wise shares his journey through 40 years in Key West sports as a teacher, coach, athletic director, broadcaster, and now historian preserving the island's rich athletic legacy. His passion for documenting Key West's sporting achievements has uncovered remarkable statistics about local athletes who reached professional levels, including six Major League Baseball players, ten NFL players, and numerous state champions.

• Started coaching in early 1980s at Mary Immaculate High School before moving to Key West High School
• Has coached nearly every sport including football, volleyball, basketball, softball, baseball, soccer, and wrestling
• Pioneered the fast-pitch softball program at Key West High School when the state discontinued slow-pitch
• Maintains records of the 54 former Key West athletes currently competing at collegiate level across various sports
• Documents Key West's professional athletes including Heisman Trophy runner-up George Mira and MLB All-Star Boog Powell
• Broadcasts games as part of Conch Town Live radio team for 17 years, calling approximately 700 games
• Currently assists with football program and anticipates strong offensive line for upcoming season
• Proudest accomplishment is former athletes returning to thank him for emphasizing academics over athletics

Listen to Coach Wise and Rick Lopez call Conch football games on WAVK 97.7 FM, with nine home games scheduled for this season starting August 15th with the Rand Carthan preseason classic.

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