We didn’t know Capri Starr Grotowski before her cancer diagnosis, but the Capri we did know was always a quiet, strong warrior. She battled cancer for 8 years, but you would have never known it when you spoke with her. She was always smiling, always positive, and always willing to have a little fun. It is clearly evident how much Steve and Capri adore each other. They would look across the table or make a sweet little comment and you just knew they found their right person. I think about the Halloween practice pictures and they were a matched set, one year they were salt and pepper, another year they were both referees. During a rain delay at FSU in a parking garage, the whole team learned a dance and then later at the restaurant played a hand clapping game. She was the swaggiest, drippiest coach ever! I remember the first year we had the team for dinner before they played at Stetson. She asked for a menu and approved everything as healthy and nutritious, except the cookies for dessert. We pointed out that it was Kaila’s birthday and then she relented, but said they should only eat one because they had to be fueled properly for the weekend matches. We loved that it became an annual event and enjoyed 5 years of feeding the team before Stetson weekend. Luckily, it was always around someone’s birthday so we could offer a small dessert for after the team devoured everything we made. She believed in her team and it showed in their performances. She was Coach of the Year at FAU and C-USA Coach of the Year. At the Owlspys, the team won Best Performance of the Year and the coveted Owl Cup this year and last year. All well-deserved honors. The team won its first CCSA Conference title last year. And this year the team finished ranked #8 in the nation after making it to the Elite 8 at NCAA Beach Nationals this year. On a very personal note, My entire family was touched when they drove over 3 hours each way for our celebration of life for Jeff. Not many coaches would have done that over a Thanksgiving weekend. It is just another example of their caring hearts. Prayers for comfort and peace for your family, friends, and your teams. May your beautiful light shine on in everything we do. Rest in paradise, Capri.
