USA Lacrosse named East Lake High School girls' lacrosse head coach Mo Asif a 2026 High School Girls Coach of the Year, the national governing body announced on Friday, July 10. Pinellas County Schools confirmed the honor on Monday, July 13.

Asif led the Eagles to a 17-4 record and a Girls 2A District 10 title this spring, making him the first Pinellas County coach to earn the award in at least three years.

The recognition goes beyond wins and losses. USA Lacrosse selects coaches who demonstrate outstanding sportsmanship on and off the field, strong rapport with players, officials, and fellow coaches, and an overall contribution to the sport. Coaches within each geographic area vote on the selections, administered through local area chairs.

In 2025, the Florida-Gulf Coast area winner was Ariana Newman of Academy of the Holy Names. In 2024, it went to Jayne Chapman of Plant.

A dominant season

The Eagles gave Asif plenty to work with in 2026. East Lake finished atop District 10 in Class 2A, powered by an attack that was among the most productive in the region.

Senior Yessenia Hall led the offense with 68 goals and 27 assists. Julia Hite added 62 goals and 11 assists, while Maddie Fahey contributed 53 goals and 32 assists. That trio combined for 183 goals on the season.

East Lake High School in Tarpon Springs posted congratulations to "Coach Mo" on its official Facebook page after the announcement.

The Coach of the Year is one of four awards in USA Lacrosse's high school girls' recognition program, alongside All-American, All-Academic, and the Jackie Pitts Award. Asif's assistant coach, Haley Feltner, helped guide the program through its strongest season in recent memory.