It was a BIG DAY for teachers – especially for Math Teacher and Girls/Boys Varsity Volleyball Coach Erica Green at Dr. Joaquin in Lake Worth.

ESPN and the Boca Raton Bowl surprised Green Tuesday with $2,500 to use from classroom to court as part of Extra Yard for Teachers Week presented by Smith, Ball, Baez and Prathar. The tenth annual Extra Yard for Teachers Week (September 14 – 21) is organized by the College Football Playoff Foundation and is an event that mobilizes ESPN, the FBS conferences, bowl organizations like the Boca Raton Bowl, corporate and education partners from coast to coast to celebrate and honor teachers in every state.

Green is one of four teachers the Boca Raton Bowl will honor during Extra Yard for Teachers Week 2024. The four teachers will also be recognized on the field during the Boca Raton Bowl on December 18 at FAU Stadium.

Boca Raton Bowl Executive Director Doug Mosley and team surprised Green with the Extra Yard for Teachers Week giant check while nearly two dozen students and faculty members cheered her on.

School officials pointed to Green’s leadership, resilience and ability to motivate her students and athletes. Green credits her own teachers and coaches for paving the way.

“I remember growing up, one of my role models was my volleyball coach. I had some teachers that actually influenced me to become a teacher throughout my years. This is exactly what I had planned on doing throughout my life,” Green said.

“I have some players in my classroom as well so it is awesome to see them as a student and as an athlete. The court is a safe haven for some kids, so you have a group of girls who find that this is a passion and to be able to be a part of that journey for them is for me all that I am trying to do,” added Green.

Coach Green led her girls volleyball team to a District Championship in their inaugural season as a school last year. We applaud Coach Erica Green and teachers across Palm Beach County and our nation who go above and beyond to inspire the next generation.

Stay tuned for news of three more Palm Beach County teachers we will be surprising and recognizing this week as part of Extra Yard for Teachers Week presented by Smith, Ball, Baez and Prathar!