Simply put, there would be no Tampa Thunder without Head Coach Don Gorman.  In 2004, when the team from Atlanta came to Tampa to introduce the sport to the bay area, Don saw that his son (#99, Danny) passionately wanted to play, as did several other local athletes.  The only problem was that there was nobody to lead this group of future national title holders.  Having previously coached other teams for local groups, Don knew the type of commitment and dedication it would take to not only build a team, but to make it successful and enduring.  Without hesitation he stepped forward to accept the responsibility, and the Tampa Thunder was born.

Six years later and several hundred hours of work later, the Tampa Thunder is proud to still have Don Gorman as head coach.  The sport has seen significant changes since it began, and Don has led the way, being active not only on a local level, but as a board member of the United States Power Soccer Association and other governing bodies in the power soccer world as well.  This has truly given the Tampa Thunder not only the talent of Don's skill as a coach, but an appreciation and respect for his willingness to ensure that the Tampa Thunder is at the cutting edge of the game.

At any given practice, game or event, it's not difficult to spot Coach Tari.  She's the only female member of the Tampa Thunder team, but in addition, she's the one that is on the sideline yelling encouragement and direction to "her boys".  The Tampa Thunder was blessed when Coach Tari, Mom to Ben (#12), agreed to come on board to assist with the coaching responsibilities when the team began in 2004.  Her enthusiasm and excitement has become legendary as she helps Coach Don direct the athletes in their goal to be and do their very best.  Not only is her energy evident on the sideline, but her organization and planning skills have been relied on time and time again as the team coordinates fund-raisers, trips and events.  The sometimes thankless job of "herding the cats" is just one reason that the Tampa Thunder can't do without her, and one of the reasons for their continued success.