Land O' Lakes High Adds Vanie Benedetto to Hall of Fame Ranks

Land O' Lakes High School added Vanie Benedetto to its hall of fame Oct. 20, honoring her with the Lifetime Service Award as part of the 2026 induction class. She joins her late husband, John Benedetto, who coached the Gators football team for 32 years and entered the hall of fame posthumously in 2014.

Vanie Benedetto worked at the school as a technology specialist, volunteer and cheerleading coach. Across more than three decades, she also served the football program as statistician, fundraiser, field painter, public-address announcer and cook. Her support extended past football; she kept statistics, filmed games, worked concessions, raised money, painted fields and announced events for other Gators teams as well.

John Benedetto compiled 196 wins and 13 district titles before his contract was not renewed after the 2008 season. The school renamed its stadium for him in late 2012, and he died in his sleep about six months later, two days after his 66th birthday. Their son, Gio, played for him.

"When it comes to Land O' Lakes High School, it's a family," Vanie Benedetto said. "I truly mean that. I mean, there's people here that I've known since 1979." She said working alongside her husband made them a "true power couple" who covered each other's weaknesses. "We would always talk things out, together," she said. "We would work together and not just dismiss a thing that was suggested."

The 2026 induction class also includes Brian Baisley and Jeff Baisley for baseball and basketball, Claudine Hawkins Nipps for volleyball, basketball, softball and tennis, and Robin Hilgenberg as a swimming coach and administrator.

Vanie Benedetto now lives in Tampa, where she golfs, spends time with her grandchildren and is planning her 60th high school reunion. She said being known as "Miss V" to generations of players mattered as much to her as it did to them. "I'm just so thankful for all those years and all the players and students John and I worked with here at Land O' Lakes," she said.