The University of South Florida (USF) has had an impressive year in athletics, marking numerous historic achievements across various sports. The men’s basketball team celebrated its first-ever American Athletic Conference regular-season title, while the men’s track and field team achieved a remarkable sweep of both indoor and outdoor American championships. Men’s golf also shone brightly with its sixth American conference championship. Volleyball contributed to the celebratory atmosphere by winning its inaugural regular-season American title, along with its first conference championship since 2002.
In cheerleading, the All Girl Cheer team excelled by claiming two national titles during the Universal Cheerleading Association (UCA) College Nationals. Additionally, teams such as volleyball, softball, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball managed to secure victories against top-10 ranked opponents, showcasing USF’s competitive spirit and prowess.
Reflecting on the year, Michael Kelly, Vice President for Athletics at USF, expressed his gratitude to the USF family and Tampa Bay community. He highlighted the football team’s recent success, which included a thrilling five-overtime victory against San Jose State in the Hawai’i Bowl, resulting in back-to-back bowl wins for the Bulls.
Moreover, the university celebrated the groundbreaking of its new on-campus stadium alongside the induction of the 2024 USF Athletics Hall of Fame class, which honored influential figures in USF sports history. The upcoming $340 million stadium project is described as a transformative venture intended to enhance the pride and presence of USF Athletics.
On the academic front, USF’s student-athletes have maintained a commendable GPA of 3.0 or higher for two decades and achieved record numbers in their Graduation Success Rate (GSR), underlining the university’s commitment to excellence both in sports and education.
Looking ahead, USF is set to debut its women’s lacrosse team on February 7 and encourages fans to support its spring sports programs. Tickets are available, with special early bird pricing for upcoming games. Men’s basketball’s conference play will commence against East Carolina, while the women’s team will host Charlotte in the new year.
In summary, this message emphasizes the continued growth and accomplishments of USF Athletics, both in competition and academics. There is a palpable sense of excitement and community support as everyone looks forward to another promising year.
Overall, this inspiring narrative highlights USF’s dedication to fostering both athletic and academic success, paving the way for a bright future and providing encouragement to fans and student-athletes alike.