Breaking: Bill Vonada to become head football coach at Crystal River

Vonada formerly was the head coach at Hernando and Springstead

From athletic director to head football coach is the journey Bill Vonada has had in his time at Crystal River High School. 

Vonada, who was named the athletic director at Crystal River back in September, confirmed with SBLive Sports Florida Friday evening that he’s has accepted the role of head football coach for the Pirates. 

“Love the people I’m working with up there. When administration decided to make a change, I thought I was going to move on. They asked me to apply and here we are,” Vonada said.

The Pirates are coming off a tough season under former head coach Cliff Lohrey, who is an alum of Crystal River. 

Lohrey spent the last six seasons as the Pirates’ lead man, compiling an overall record of 23-34 from 2018-2023. Crystal River finished 2-7 this past season, ending 2023 with a 31-13 loss to Hernando. 

Cliff Lohrey out as head football coach at Crystal River

During his time at Hernando, Vonada compiled an overall record of 17-21. Most of Vonada’s best work as a head coach came during his tenure at Springstead, where he led the Eagles to several district championships and playoff appearances. 

Now Vonada will lead a Pirates’ program that he feels has a lot of similarities to one of his previous head coaching stops. 

“I think every school that you go to is unique and has its own set of strengths and weaknesses,” Vonada added. (Crystal River) reminds me very much of Hernando as a community school. It’s a got a lot of tradition. The people in the community, I’m just amazed at how dedicated they’re are to the program. That’s really encouraging.” 

(Photo courtesy of the Hernando Sun newspaper)