Cocoa High School and Brevard County: Athletic Director Eusebio Solis, 46, Dies After Lifelong Commitment to Coaching and Education
Cocoa, Florida — November 5, 2024
By Channel2 NOW Staff
A beloved figure in the Brevard County education and athletics community, Eusebio Solis, has tragically passed away at the age of 46. Solis, the athletic director at Cocoa High School, died on Sunday, November 3, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, mentorship, and achievement. He had been appointed to the position just a few months prior in July 2024, after a distinguished career that spanned nearly two decades in Brevard Public Schools. The loss of Solis, who was admired for his leadership, passion for sports, and commitment to students, has left the Cocoa High School community and the broader area in mourning.
Solis had been a central figure at Space Coast Jr./Sr. High School before his move to Cocoa, where he was known for his exceptional leadership as both an educator and a coach. Over the years, he built a reputation not only for his coaching prowess but also for his role in helping to shape the future of young athletes, emphasizing discipline, teamwork, and the importance of academic success. His sudden death has cast a shadow over the local community, sparking tributes from colleagues, students, and alumni who knew him as a mentor and a friend.
A Career Built on Passion for Education and Athletics
Eusebio Solis’s professional journey began more than 18 years ago when he joined Brevard Public Schools, dedicating himself to the development of both young minds and young athletes. His career trajectory in education and athletics was marked by a series of achievements, from teaching Spanish to coaching baseball and eventually moving into leadership roles as an athletic director.
Solis’s time as a teacher, spanning nine years, left an indelible mark on his students. Known for his engaging teaching style and his ability to connect with students, Solis was beloved in the classroom. His teaching went beyond language instruction; he nurtured a sense of discipline and responsibility in his students, values that would later inform his approach to coaching and athletic administration.
While Solis was deeply committed to his role as a teacher, his true passion was athletics. His coaching career at Space Coast Jr./Sr. High School began when he took on the role of head coach for the varsity baseball team, a position he held for seven years. During his tenure, Solis transformed the Space Coast baseball program, guiding it to its most successful years in history.
Under his leadership, the Space Coast baseball team achieved unprecedented success. In just a few short seasons, Solis built a competitive program that had been historically underperforming. He led the team to three consecutive district championship games, earning two runners-up finishes and one district championship. Solis’s ability to cultivate talent and create a winning culture was key to the team’s success. His leadership not only boosted the baseball program but also set a new standard for athletic excellence at Space Coast High.
The pinnacle of Solis’s coaching career at Space Coast came when the baseball team made three consecutive trips to the regional tournament — a first in the school’s history. His achievements were not limited to the field; he was also a mentor to his players, teaching them the values of hard work, perseverance, and integrity. Solis’s impact extended far beyond baseball; his athletes often spoke about how he helped them grow as individuals, not just as players.
A Seamless Transition to Athletic Director
In July 2024, after years of success as both a coach and a teacher, Solis was appointed the athletic director at Cocoa High School. His move to Cocoa was seen as a natural progression, as his experience and leadership abilities made him the ideal candidate to oversee the school’s athletic programs. The appointment was met with widespread support, and many in the Cocoa community were excited about the future of the school’s athletics under his guidance.
Solis’s vision for Cocoa High’s athletic program was clear from the start: he wanted to create an environment where student-athletes could excel both on the field and in the classroom. His years of experience as a coach and educator made him keenly aware of the balance between athletic success and academic achievement. Solis was determined to foster a sense of pride and unity among athletes, coaches, and students, creating a culture of excellence that would extend beyond sports.
His impact at Cocoa High was already beginning to be felt. Solis worked closely with coaches, athletes, and the school administration to implement programs that would enhance the athletic experience for all students. Whether it was organizing training sessions, improving facilities, or ensuring that student-athletes received the support they needed to succeed academically, Solis was fully invested in the well-being and success of his athletes.
One of Solis’s first major initiatives at Cocoa was to revamp the school’s athletic support programs, ensuring that athletes had access to resources like tutoring, academic counseling, and career planning. He worked tirelessly to foster an atmosphere of accountability, encouraging athletes to perform to the best of their ability in all aspects of their lives, not just in their respective sports.
Despite his relatively short time in the position, Solis had already begun making significant strides in his role. His colleagues, both at Cocoa High and in the broader Brevard County athletic community, spoke highly of his leadership style. “Eusebio was a passionate advocate for his students,” said Jason Sweeney, a fellow athletic director in the Brevard Public Schools system. “He always put the well-being of his athletes first, and he had a vision for what he wanted to accomplish at Cocoa. His passion for athletics and education was contagious, and it was clear that he was dedicated to making a difference.”
Personal Life and Legacy
Solis was not just a coach and administrator; he was a family man who valued his relationships with his loved ones. Colleagues and friends have remembered him as someone who prioritized family above all else, despite his demanding professional commitments. His wife, children, and extended family were often present at athletic events, supporting Solis as he dedicated himself to his work.
“He was always there for his family, and that’s something I admired about him,” said Solis’s longtime colleague, Mark Henderson. “No matter how busy he was, he always made time for his wife and kids. He set a great example for the young people he worked with, showing them that you can balance hard work with family life.”
Beyond his professional achievements, Solis was deeply involved in his community. He was a regular volunteer at local events, often seen supporting Cocoa High’s extracurricular activities and participating in charity initiatives. His commitment to giving back to the community extended to his work as a coach and mentor, where he emphasized the importance of teamwork, responsibility, and personal growth.
Solis’s untimely death has left a profound void in the Cocoa High School community. The loss is particularly heartbreaking for those who knew him best — his players, fellow coaches, and students. As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from all corners of Brevard County, with individuals sharing stories of how Solis had made
