MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Every great high school athletic program starts with the athletic director and one of the hardest working ones in Central Florida is at a small private school in Mount Dora. 

Megan Ziegelhofer is the school’s director of athletics. She has been in charge of the department for the last five years and in those years, the small private school has succeeded in students mobing on to play in college.

“We have signed 40 students to play athletics at the next level,” said Ziegelhofer. “Being a very small school with a high school about 200 each year, each class is about 50 students. So it ends up being about 35% in each of our senior classes that end up playing college athletics.”

The school’s website lists the names of students who have competed athletically in the next level.

“I have a special bond with all the student athletes here. I spend a lot of time individually. I’m super proud. I’ve been on every journey,” said Ziegelhofer.

Despite being in a smaller school, she feels it gives her advantage to help the students.

“It’s very different. We have a lot of time which is different from most large private or large public schools,” said Ziegelhofer.

On top of her helping the students get into college, she sets up tournaments and sporting events on campus.

“She works really hard,” said Senior Reggie Virgil. “She might have a lot of stuff on her plate. She never gives up — she keeps working.”

Reggie is a star on the basketball court, but will play football at Miami of Ohio next year. During his five years at Mount Dora Christian Academy, Megan and he have developed a close relationship.

“When Reggie came, he didn’t want to be here, and him and I connected almost immediately,” said Ziegelhofer.

Reggie calls her Momma Z because of all the help he has received from Megan.

“Momma Z helped me on and off the field. I can come to her with anything, just like having a second mom,” said Reggie.

“When Reggie’s father passed away 2 years ago, that was a really tough time for him, really tough time for his mom,” said Ziegelhofer. “Because of our relationship and because of 3 years prior that we have developed that relationship, I was able to help him stay focused. I was able to keep is head in the game, remind him that his dad’s main wish was to graduate from this school and continue to do what he set out to do and that was to graduate and play college football.”

“She was there for me, she just mentally, physically lets me know things to do and how to make him proud,” said Reggie. “I just want to make her proud and my mom proud so when I’m doing things on the court and the football field I just want to reflect the image who is around me and God.”

Megan has attended all of Reggie’s games and enjoys watching him play from the sidelines.

“I always love watching him play. He is very impressive,” said Ziegelhofer. “Reggie is the kid that you want in your school, on your team.”