Volunteer work is a focal point in the PANTHERS’ coach Paul Hanna’s life.  Coach Hanna started a nonprofit in honor of his late mother-in-law, the Judy Palmer Nursing scholarship, which gives scholarships to Shaler softball players pursuing a nursing career. He also volunteers for Hampton Athletic Association as a board member and coach. He also works as a Board member with the Hampton Alliance for Educational Excellence. Coach Hanna’s father-in-law was coaching Shaler Softball at the time his mother-in-law passed away, and he looked to others for support at that time. He recalls, “The team helped us through a very tough time, so we decided to give back to them. My father-in-law recently passed away suddenly, so we started a dug-out project in his honor.”

Coach Hanna relied on others in a time of need and looks to give back using the Pittsburgh Flag Football League as an additional outlet. Coach Hanna enjoys helping children with a positive coaching style that he employs through the PANTHERS.  He said,  “We tried other leagues, but this league seems to balance competitiveness and teaching.” He says he’s mostly trying to instill teamwork and play execution. “I think it’s important for them to work together and stick to the plays and plan. Pick each other up and always be positive.”

Coach Hanna has always played football in some capacity, playing football in high school and flag football for after high school.  He sees flag football as a positive place to enjoy the skill positions of football, without the line and hitting involved. He thinks flag at the youth age is much more enjoyable as you see more passing and development of players. Coaching his son, Aiden, Coach Hanna puts the work in on the field but takes more enjoyment in the growth of his players. He says his favorite aspect of coaching is helping teach kids the importance of listening, and seeing their faces when a play works like it was drawn up.

Coach Hanna strives for greatness on and off the field and has already began shaping his players with a positive perspective.

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