Whether he’s leading his team on the turf or heading straight for the dessert table at the annual MUSPA luncheon, Coach George Harris brings humor, humility and heart to everything he does at Pine Crest School. As an Assistant Athletic Director and Program Director of Boys’ Lacrosse, George shares how gratitude and generosity keep him grounded in the Pine Crest experience.
Q: How long have you been at Pine Crest, and what brought you here?
My wife Gerin and I started at Pine Crest in 2013. She and I had always talked about moving south, we were living in Ohio at the time, and the opportunity just kind of fell into our laps. I was coaching at Wittenberg University when a colleague asked me to write her a letter of recommendation. While looking for the job listing on the NCAA site, I happened to see an opening for a boys’ lacrosse position at Pine Crest in Fort Lauderdale. I thought, “Well, that’s south!” We decided to apply. One of my best friends from high school lived in Weston at the time—I called and asked him how far he was from Pine Crest. He said about 25 minutes and asked if I was coming to recruit. I told him no—I was coming to interview! The rest is history. We’ve been here ever since, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.
Q: Is there a professional development opportunity that has shaped your approach to coaching?
Definitely the coaching conventions—national lacrosse clinics and coaching conferences. I try to attend every year. I love learning from the best, keeping an open mind and hearing new perspectives. There’s always something to bring back to our players and our program.
Q: Can you share how philanthropy has enhanced your experience or impacted your athletes and colleagues?
It’s everywhere. Philanthropy is what allows us to go beyond the basics. It’s what makes new construction, upgraded equipment, student travel and enhanced programming possible. Just thinking about the changes I’ve seen in my time here—the Brandon Knight ’10 Performance Training Center weight room, the baseball field, the Markham Center, the Middle School library and of course, the turf field on Best Field. When I first got here, that field was mostly sand. Now it’s a beautiful turf field we rely on for lacrosse. I always say, when you see a pile of dirt on campus, it means progress. That’s something to celebrate.
Q: What inspires you to give every year?
Gratitude. I’m thankful every day to be a part of Pine Crest. Giving back is a way to show that appreciation. I reflect on the year, what I’ve learned and who I’ve learned from. I’ve had incredible mentors—some directly, some indirectly—who’ve helped me understand not just athletics, but the full academic experience here. Giving is one way I can help support the entire school and all it offers.
Q: You and your wife, Gerin, designate your annual gift to athletics. Why is that important to you both?
We were both student-athletes growing up. I played in college and saw firsthand how annual giving supported my own experience—spring trips, extra gear, things that made me feel valued. At Wittenberg, we had donors who gave more than the actual program budget. That stuck with me. We want to pay it forward. To help provide a positive experience for today’s student-athletes, just like others did for us.
Q: What is your favorite Pine Crest tradition or event?
This might sound funny, but I love the MUSPA luncheons for faculty and staff. Those spreads are beautiful. I’m really grateful for the way our parents give back like that—it means a lot. I plan ahead for those days. Light dinner the night before, skip breakfast and save up for dessert first—always dessert first! I have a serious sweet tooth.
Q: In your opinion, what defines the Pine Crest experience?
Opportunities and relationships. I get to watch my student-athletes grow, not just on the field, but in so many other areas—fine arts, science research, leadership, clubs. They’re well-rounded and passionate, and they keep me young. That breadth of opportunity helps students find their identity early, and in doing so, they build meaningful relationships that open doors for years to come.
Q: As a faculty chair for the Annual Giving Campaign, what message would you like to share with your colleagues?
I’d say giving benefits more than just students. It supports teachers, coaches, administrators—everyone. I’ve seen it from both sides: as a student-athlete and as a coach. Annual giving strengthens our whole school community. It’s not just about what we give; it’s about the mindset of gratitude and the willingness to invest in each other.
Q: What’s your go-to dining hall meal?
Grilled cheese sandwich and whenever there are cookies!
Q: What’s something your athletes might be surprised to learn about you?
I grew up playing ice hockey. I’ve been skating since I was three, and in high school, we were state champions. One of my teammates, David Tretowicz, went on to become a U.S. Olympic hockey player. It was a bit like the movie “Hoosiers,” just a small group of us out there, every day. It was a great chapter in my life.
Q: If you could trade jobs with anyone at Pine Crest for a day, who would it be and why?
Easy—John Kranstover. He’s the man of the people! He gets to meet new families every day, share the story of Pine Crest and he does it all with incredible warmth and humor. Plus, he laughs at my jokes. What more could you ask for?
Read about the Faculty Giving Chair for the Boca Raton campus, Mrs. Gerin Harris.
