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3 Coral Springs Legends Inducted into Broward County Sports Hall of Fame

Lexi Thompson {Broward Education Foundation Athletics}

Three Coral Springs sports legends have been inducted into the prestigious 2024 Broward County Sports Hall of Fame, honoring their significant contributions to athletics and dedication to the community.

The event, hosted by the Broward Education Foundation, took place on October 18 at the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort. Seven outstanding athletes and coaches were celebrated, including Coral Springs’ own Elliot Bonner, Darius Butler, and Lexi Thompson.

James A. Knapp, President and CEO of the Broward Education Foundation, said the 2024 Sports Hall of Fame inductees represent an extraordinary class, celebrated for their remarkable athletic achievements and unwavering dedication to excellence. “Their legacy serves as an inspiration to both our students and the broader community.”

The Broward Education Foundation was the first and remains the only education foundation in the country with a dedicated athletic arm.

The nonprofit, dedicated to serving students and teachers in Broward County Public Schools, continues to expand its reach by advocating for talented student-athletes throughout Broward County.

“We are so incredibly grateful for our amazing sponsors and community partners who enabled us to resurrect this important event, which had been dormant for the past six years,” said Shawn Cerra, Director of Broward Education Foundation Athletics and Coral Springs vice mayor. “It truly is our privilege to recognize these exceptional individuals who’ve created a lasting legacy within Broward County’s athletic community.”

Elliot Bonner

James A. Knapp, Elliott Bonner Jr.; Elliott Bonner; Todd Fitz-Gerald and Shawn Cerra. {Broward Education Foundation Athletics}

Elliot Bonner, a resident of Coral Springs since 1977, has devoted more than 50 years to mentoring student-athletes as a football and baseball coach in Broward County Public Schools. Bonner’s influence extends far beyond the field, having shaped the careers of professional athletes like Dan Morgan, Anthony Rizzo, and Jesus Luzardo. His efforts have fostered athletic talent and a strong sense of community responsibility in countless young athletes.

Bonner’s roots in Coral Springs run deep, from founding youth programs at Mullins Park to his long tenure coaching at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Darius Butler

James A. Knapp, Darius Butler, Mitchell Butler and Shawn Cerra.{Broward Education Foundation Athletics}

Darius Butler’s athletic career began at Coral Springs Charter School, where he excelled in football, basketball, and track. As a quarterback and safety, he was a standout athlete, scoring over 1,000 points on the basketball court and earning All-County and All-State honors in football. His talent on the gridiron earned him a spot at the University of Connecticut and, eventually, a second-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots.

Butler played nine seasons in the NFL and has since transitioned into a successful career as a sports media personality. He frequently appears on The Pat McAfee Show and co-hosts the popular “Man-to-Man” podcast, offering insights and commentary on professional sports. Butler’s journey from Coral Springs to the NFL continues to inspire the next generation of athletes in his hometown.

Lexi Thompson

James A. Knapp, Lexi Thompson, Brett Falkoff and Shawn Cerra. {Broward Education Foundation Athletics}

Lexi Thompson, a Coral Springs native, made history at just 12 years old when she became the youngest player to qualify for the U.S. Women’s Open. A fierce competitor, Thompson turned pro at 15 and has since won 11 LPGA Tour titles. She’s also represented Team USA in the Olympics twice, in 2016 and 2020, further cementing her status as one of the top female golfers in the world.

Off the course, Thompson is dedicated to philanthropy and has become a role model for young women in sports, particularly those in Coral Springs.

Pictured are: Dan Most, Shawn Cerra, John Kurowski, Diana Nyad, Steve Shapiro, Abbas Karimi, Darius Butler, Elliott Bonner, Lexi Thompson, James A. Knapp and Josh Moser.

Other inductees were Abbas Karimi, a swimmer and paralympic athlete; Diana Nyad, a long-distance swimmer, author, journalist, and motivational speaker; and Steve Shapiro, a former WSVN sports anchor.

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Sharon Aron Baron

Editor of Talk Media and writer for Coral Springs Talk. CST was created in 2012 to provide News, Views, and Entertainment for the residents of Coral Springs and the rest of South Florida.