As Land O’Lakes High School’s only girls soccer coach since the sport’s inception (39 seasons), the architect of a state-championship team (2003), and enough of a legend to already have the facility named in her honor (Vicky A. King Field), you’d expect a Hall of Fame induction to be the pinnacle.

In the big picture, maybe not.

King, one of the Tampa Bay area’s most beloved and enduring coaches at any level, has a human side that is tough to resist.

Peggy Sybert, a paraprofessional who has worked with physically challenged students, acknowledges King’s Coach of the Year status, but quickly adds, “This lady should be person of the year.’’

Whether it’s working with physically challenged students or her devotion to the Special Olympics, King made a career out of giving back.

King’s Gators have 17 district championships, eight Final Four appearances, and a Class 2A state title in 2003 (that completed a 26-3 season). Overall, King’s teams have gone 591-235-68. Nearly 40 of her former Gators have played soccer in college.

Kit Broadbelt, the former Pasco County Supervisor of Athletics, once said King’s on-field work was only surpassed by her classroom impact.

“She’s just so sincere,’’ Broadbelt said. “I’ve observed her in class, and she’s just so patient with those kids. At the same time, she expects them to reach their goals.’’