As Tami Taylor, a.k.a. “Mrs. Coach,” Britton was one of the only characters who lasted the entire series. After portraying Sharon Gaines (the coach’s wife) in the 2004 film adaptation of the book that was the basis of the series, Britton had to be convinced to take on the role by the show’s director, Peter Berg.

“He said, ‘Connie, you’ve got to do the show!” she told The Off-Camera Show. “We’re gonna make this character so amazing!”