DUNEDIN, Fla. — Dunedin High defensive coordinator Rob Tirado can draw up a Cover 2 scheme. Or a three-three stack defense. 

But this single father can also make a mean macaroni and cheese.

“This is every single day,” Tirado said. “Every single day I do this.She makes my day. Every time I’m having a bad day at work, I come home to this. Who doesn’t want to play with Minnie? “

Or eat a lot of Mac and Cheese? It’s one of Mya’s favorites, so that means it’s one of dad’s favorites too. This two-year-old, about to turn three, dictates a lot in this house. She sets the tone. And she keeps her dad on his toes. 

Former Tampa Bay Buc Gerald McCoy once described single parents as the real super heroes. Tirado’s an example of that.

“When people say is it hard being a single parent? At the end of the day, you balance everything like you balance life,” he said.

Dunedin’s trying to find that balance. It’s been a tough season for these Falcons who don’t win a lot of games. But that doesn’t stop these players from showing up and putting in the work.

“When you see players like this who love the game, just like I do, there’s nothing else I’d rather do than be here every Friday night,” Tirado said.

Tirado’s a Robinson High grad. A former defensive end who made the transition to coaching. He draws upon his playing days to better himself as a coach. But it’s really his two-year-old who makes her dad a better coach, and so much more.

“She makes me a better person in life and that’s why I love Mya,” he said. “Ever since I had her, I think she opened my eyes to see a lot more things and better opportunities.”

In Mya’s world, there’s a lot of pink. There’s a lot of Minnie Mouse dolls. And there’s a special photo of her grandmother who lost her battle with cancer two weeks after Mya was born. 

Tirado hears his mom in his head a lot. But much of his parenting style has been learn as you go. This girl dad has a strong bow game. He embraces the color pink now. He’s got a daddy’s girl who rules his world.

“I always wanted a boy because of football and all that,” he said. “But you know what, I’m glad she’s the one for me. I love this little girl. She’s hard to say no to. She’s makes my life.”