Tony Benedetto

Coach Tony Benedetto is entering his 15th year of coaching, his 7th as a head coach and currently serves as the Athletic Coordinator and Head Coach of the Plano East Panthers. He grew up in Crystal Lake, Illinois, and attended Crystal Lake South High School. He was a three sport athlete, competing in football (1st Team All-Conference), basketball and track (State Qualifier in 400-meter Dash). He attended the University of Sioux Falls to play football. He was a 2-time NAIA National Champion, 2-Time Academic All-American, and a team captain. He majored in Biology and Secondary Education and holds a master's in Educational Leadership. He enjoys watching Chicago sports teams, especially the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bulls, and Chicago Bears. Coach Benedetto is married to his wife, Lindsay. They are the proud parents of London (9), Ruby (8), Ezekiel (7), and Remi (7).

Fun Fact: Coach Benedetto can grow a full unibrow!

Daniel Solis

Coach Daniel Solis is entering his 12th year of coaching, serving as the Assistant Head Coach and Tight Ends Coach, as well as a Physical Education teacher at Plano East Senior High School. He grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, and attended Nolan Catholic High School. He played football and was a two-time state champion (2004 & 2005). He attended Northwestern College, where he played football as an offensive lineman and was a two-time All-Conference selection. He majored in Sociology and Criminal Justice. In his free time, Coach Solis enjoys spending time with his family, is a BBQ enthusiast, and is working on improving his golf game. His favorite sports teams are the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, and Dallas Stars. Coach Solis is married to his wife, Sara. They are the proud parents of Kamryn (10) and Karsyn (7).

Fun Fact: Coach Solis was the first in his family to attend and graduate from college!

Kevin Mikeska

Coach Kevin Mikeska is entering his 15th year of coaching, serving as the Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach, as well as a Business and CTE teacher at Plano East Senior High. He grew up in Garland, Texas, and attended Garland High School. He was a two-sport athlete, competing in football (1st Team All-District, Offensive MVP , 3-year starter) and baseball (1st Team All-District, 4-year starter). He attended Ottawa University, where he played football and majored in Sports Management. He was a 3-time Conference Utility Player of the Year. After college, he went on to play professional football for the Arlanda Jets in Sweden. In his free time, he enjoys playing with his sons, watching TV shows with his wife, and playing video games. His favorite sports teams are the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, and Texas Longhorns. Coach Mikeska is married to his wife, Krystal. They are the proud parents of Knox (5) and Kade (8 months).

Fun Fact: Coach Mikeska once hit 4 home runs in one baseball game!

Kyle Sanders

Coach Kyle Sanders is entering his 23rd year of coaching, serving as the Offensive Line Coach and Assistant Run Game Coordinator, as well as a Special Education Teacher at Plano East Senior High. He grew up in Monahans, Texas, and attended Monahans High School. He played football, earning All-State, All-Region, and All-District honors. He attended Texas Tech University, where he played football and majored in History. In his free time, he enjoys reading. His favorite sports teams are the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Buffalo Bills. Coach Sanders is married to his wife, JoAnna. They are the proud parents of Dylan (22) and Skylar (14).

Fun Fact: Coach Sanders was part of one of the largest offensive lines to ever play college football!

Patrick Handy

Coach Patrick Handy is entering his 12th year of coaching—11th at Plano East—and serves as the Run Game Coordinator and Running Backs Coach, as well as a Special Education teacher at Plano East Senior High. He grew up in Houston, Texas, and attended Westfield High School. He was a two-sport athlete, competing in football (All-State offensive lineman) and track. He attended Southern Methodist University, where he was a four-year letterman and majored in Sociology and Secondary Education. In his free time, he works as a professional photographer. His favorite sports teams are the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans. Coach Handy is married to his wife, Danielle. They are the proud parents of Patrick Handy Jr. (4).

Fun Fact: Coach Handy is a pretty good cook!

Nicolas Summerfield

Coach Nicolas Summerfield is entering his 13th year of coaching, serving as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Assistant Offensive Line Coach, and Assistant Special Teams Coach for the Plano East Panthers. He grew up in Killeen, Texas, and attended Killeen High School. He was a three-sport athlete, competing in football (1st Team All-District), wrestling, and track. He attended the University of North Texas to play football, earning a scholarship as a walk-on and receiving several honors, including UNT Male Athlete of the Year (2012–13), the Sun Belt Conference Post-Graduate Scholarship (2012), and the National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete Award (2012). He majored in Kinesiology and holds a master’s degree in Sports Management. His favorite major sports teams are the Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Stars, and Texas Rangers. Coach Summerfield is married to his wife, Ashlee. They

are the proud parents of Briggs (3).

Fun Fact: Coach Summerfield’s wife, Ashlee, is a Plano East graduate and helped lead the volleyball team to the 5A Regional Finals in 2008 before attending the University of North Texas to study and play

volleyball!

Jamie Smith

Coach Jamie Smith is entering his 7th year of coaching, serving as the Wide Receivers Coach as well as a Special Education teacher at Williams High School. He grew up in Camden, Arkansas, and attended Camden Fairview High School. He was a three-sport athlete, competing in football (5A State Champion, All-State, All-Conference, and Rushing Record Leader), basketball, and track & field (All-State, All-Conference). He attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where he played football and majored in Sports Management. He holds a master’s degree in Kinesiology. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, spending time with family, and playing video games. His favorite sports team is the Florida State Seminoles. Coach Smith is married to his wife, Lauren. They are the proud parents of their dog, Future (4).

Fun Fact: Coach Smith recently got married to his wife, Lauren, on March 15, 2025!

Ryan Henderson

Coach Henderson is entering his 22nd year of coaching, serving as the Assistant Receivers Coach. He grew up in Livonia, Michigan—a suburb of Detroit—and attended Livonia Churchill High School. He was a three sport athlete, competing in football, basketball, and baseball. After high school, he joined the U.S.Navy, serving in an F-14 fighter squadron for three years. Following his service, he attended Eastern Michigan University, majoring in Kinesiology. In his spare time, he enjoys lifting weights, golfing, and working on DIY projects. Coach Henderson is the proud parent of Gavin (14), Reese (12), and Brody (5).

Fun Fact: This year marks Coach Henderson’s 19th year in the East Cluster!

Andre Williams

Coach Andre Williams is entering his 19th year of coaching and his 3rd year as the Panthers’ Defensive Coordinator. He grew up in Kilgore, Texas, and attended Sabine High School. He was a three-sport athlete, competing in football (All-State), basketball (All-State), and track (Regional Qualifier). He attended Stephen F. Austin State University, where he played football and majored in Business Management. In his free time, he enjoys attending sporting events. His favorite teams are the Denver Broncos, Dallas Mavericks, and Texas Rangers.

Fun Fact: Coach Williams enjoys watching professional boxing.

Laurence Mallory

Coach Laurence Mallory is entering his 11th year of coaching, serving as the Defensive Line Coach, as well as an Economics and Personal Finance teacher at Plano East Senior High. He grew up in New Jersey and Plano, Texas, where he attended Plano East Senior High. He was a two-sport athlete, competing in football and basketball. He attended Oklahoma State University, where he played football and boxed, and majored in General Business with a minor in Marketing. In his free time, he enjoys boxing, kickboxing, and playing chess. His favorite sports teams are the New York Giants, New York Knicks, and New York Yankees.

Fun Fact: Coach Mallory is a proud Dallas Cowboys hater!

Dre Cortez

Coach Dre Cortez is entering his 3rd year of coaching, with four years of collegiate coaching experience, including a previous position at McMurry University. He will serve as the Recruiting Coordinator, Special Teams Coordinator, and Cornerbacks Coach, as well as a Health teacher at Williams High School. He grew up in Dallas, Texas, and attended H. Grady Spruce High School, where he was a two sport athlete, competing in football (two-time All-Conference and All-District selection) and track (District Champion in 400-meter). He attended Fort Lewis College where he played football, and majored in Sports Management. In his free time, he enjoys golfing. His favorite sports teams are the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers.

Fun Fact: Coach Cortez was Valedictorian!

Chase Inman

Coach Chase Inman is entering his 9th year of coaching, serving as the Inside Linebackers Coach, as well as a Special Education teacher at Plano East Senior High School. He grew up in Dallas, Texas, and attended Lake Highlands High School. He played football and was a two-time All-District selection and Team Defensive MVP . He attended Samford University, where he played football and majored in Sports Administration and Kinesiology. In his free time, he enjoys gardening, drinking coffee, and fishing. His favorite sports teams are any of the Dallas professional teams. Coach Inman is married to his wife, Amanda.

Fun Fact: Coach Inman is one of 36 first cousins on his mom's side alone!

Earl Horton

Coach Earl Horton is entering his 11th year of coaching, with three years of collegiate coaching experience. He will serve as the Outside Linebackers Coach as well as a Special Education teacher at McMillen High School. He grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana, and attended Edna Karr High School. He was a two-sport athlete, competing in football (two-year First Team All-District) and earning three varsity letters. He attended Langston University on a football scholarship. He was selected First Team All-Conference and Preseason All-American (2012) while majoring in Education and Health Care Administration. In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf and watching movies. Coach Horton is married to his wife, Kaiya. They are the proud parents of Bryson (7) and Ethan (4).

Fun Fact: Coach Horton has never been fishing!

Kendall Robinson

Coach Kendall Robinson is entering his 13th year of coaching, serving as the Defensive Line Coach, as well as a Physical Education teacher at Williams High School. He grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, and attended A.H. Parker High School. He was a three-sport athlete, competing in basketball, football, and tennis. He attended Grambling State University on a football scholarship, majoring in Drafting Engineering Technology. He holds a master’s degree in Sports Administration. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, reading the Bible, watching sports, and playing video games. Coach Robinson is married to his wife, Chelsea. They are the proud parents of Raniya (17), Kyndall (6), and Channon (3).

Fun Fact: Coach Robinson loves to draw!

Roy Woods

Coach Roy Woods is entering his 8th year of coaching, serving as the Linebackers Coach, as well as a Physical Education teacher at Plano East Senior High. Coach Woods grew up in Plano, Texas, and attended Plano East Senior High. He played football as a cornerback, earning All-District and All-Area honors. He attended Amberton University, majoring in Business Management. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and working out. His favorite sports team is the Dallas Cowboys. Coach Woods is married to his wife, Taronda. They are the proud parents of Cameron (24).

Fun Fact: Coach Woods played on the first Plano East football team to beat their crosstown rival, Plano Senior High!