A community mourns the sudden passing of coach Mike Wozniak.[/caption]

Pflugerville ISD's Hendrickson High School is commemorating the death of a teacher and coach today, as students, co-workers and friends learned of the sudden death of Michael Wozniak, the head softball coach for the Hawks.

“Hendrickson High School and all of the Pflugerville ISD family is deeply saddened by the unexpected passing last night of Michael Wozniak, business teacher, head softball coach and beloved colleague,” Hendrickson High School Principal Daniel Garcia said in a Sept. 28 statement.

Wozniak was hired in 2014 to coach a team that finished in last place in District 13. In two years of coaching, the team became a playoff contender. But some say Wozniak was more than just a coach to his players.

“He was a special man,” said Monica Hernandez, a mother of one of Wozniak’s former players. “He gave every girl an opportunity to play and saw the best in them. He treated each girl like they were his daughter.”

Hernandez said that Wozniak had a vision of his team not only being successful athletes but also being good teammates and good people. He was sometimes unconventional in his coaching style by assigning players books to read and asking them to submit their interpretations of the material.

Word of Wozniak’s death spread through social media last night and this morning. A prayer service was held at Hendrickson this morning.

Pflugerville Panther Softball shared thoughts of “Coach Woz” on its Facebook page, with many users offering prayers and condolences.

“A lot of these girls played little league together, and they’ve grown up together,” said Mara Kauff, a parent of a Pflugerville softball player whose best friend was coached by Wozniak.

Garcia notified Hendrickson parents through a digital announcement that PfISD has made arrangements to have counseling and support staff on-site at Hendrickson to help students who need assistance. Parents can also contact 512-594-1100 to speak with their child's school counselor.

Update 3:52 p.m, Sept. 30

Services for Wozniak will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Hendrickson High School Performing Arts Center located at 19201 Colorado Sand Dr. in Pflugerville, followed by a reception at the Hendrickson High School cafeteria from noon-6 p.m., according to PfISD and Beck Funeral Home.

See a collection of condolences and sentiments from current and former students, friends and community members.