Coach Tom Dever will enter his 1st season as Head Coach of the Gulf Coast State College Women's Cross Country Team in the Fall of 2024.

Coach Dever is a seasoned distance runner and esteemed distance running coach with an impressive history of success spanning over two decades. With a passion for both running and coaching, Dever has cultivated a reputation for excellence, consistently achieving high-level results for himself and the athletes under his guidance.

Coach Dever's journey in the world of distance running began over 20 years ago, igniting a lifelong dedication to the sport. Transitioning seamlessly into coaching, he has amassed over 15 years of experience at both high school and collegiate levels, honing his leadership skills and nurturing the talents of aspiring athletes.

In 2019, Dever assumed the role of Head Boys and Girls Cross Country Coach at Arnold High Schools in Panama City Beach, FL, leaving a lasting impact as five of his coached runners went on to compete at the collegiate level. Notably, Eddie Hearn, under Dever's tutelage, secured an individual state title in the 800 meters and earned a scholarship at the University of Florida. Additionally, Carson King set school records for the 1600 meters and 3200 meters at the University of West Florida.

Prior to his tenure at Arnold High Schools, Dever served as the Head Boys and Girls Cross Country Coach and Track and Field Coach at Terre Haute North Vigo High School in Indiana from 2014 to 2018, and as an assistant coach from 2005 to 2013. His contributions led to the development of six collegiate runners, including John Mascari, who set a school record for the 3200 meters and achieved third place overall in the state.

Dever's coaching prowess is complemented by his exceptional individual running achievements. Having completed 43 marathons, he has claimed multiple USATF national titles in master and grand master ranks across distances ranging from a mile to a half marathon, further solidifying his status as a formidable presence in the running community.

With a relentless dedication to excellence and a proven track record of success, Tom Dever continues to inspire and empower runners to reach their full potential, both on and off the track.