The University of South Florida (USF) Athletics has celebrated a remarkable year, achieving significant milestones across various sports while fostering a strong community spirit. Notably, the men’s basketball team secured its first-ever title in the American Athletic Conference regular season. Similarly, the men’s track and field team dominated by winning both the indoor and outdoor American championships. The men’s golf program celebrated its sixth championship, and the volleyball team achieved a historic first by winning their regular-season American title, marking their first conference victory since 2002. In cheerleading, the All Girl Cheer team triumphed at the Universal Cheerleading Association (UCA) College Nationals, capturing two national titles.
USF’s athletic year has been marked by intense competition, with volleyball, softball, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball all clinching victories against top-10 ranked rivals.
In a heartfelt message to the USF community and Tampa Bay residents, Vice President for Athletics Michael Kelly reflected on these accomplishments and the beginning of a new era. He highlighted the football team’s spectacular five-overtime victory over San Jose State in the Hawai’i Bowl, which resulted in consecutive bowl wins and showcased the unwavering spirit of USF Athletics.
Kelly also noted the induction of the 2024 USF Athletics Hall of Fame class, honoring influential figures from the university’s athletic history, including former coaches and players. This event coincided with groundbreaking efforts for a $340 million on-campus stadium, underscoring the commitment to enhancing the athletics program and providing a state-of-the-art facility for athletes and fans alike.
The academic achievements of USF student-athletes were also spotlighted, showcasing their dedication as they maintained a GPA of 3.0 or higher for 20 consecutive semesters, while several teams achieved a perfect graduation success rate.
Looking towards the future, Kelly urged fans to support spring sports, especially the debut of the women’s lacrosse team on February 7. He also shared information about ticket availability for upcoming baseball and softball games, encouraging the Bulls community to partake in the thrilling atmosphere of home games.
In closing, he expressed gratitude to the supporters of USF Athletics for their passion and support, contributing to the department receiving recognition as one of the best in the nation.
This reflection not only celebrates past achievements but sets a hopeful tone for continued success, unity, and pride among the USF community in the coming year.
**Summary:**
The University of South Florida Athletics has had a notable year with accomplishments across several sports, including championship titles and historic milestones. Vice President Michael Kelly praised the community’s support and highlighted the importance of academics among student-athletes. With exciting events on the horizon, such as the women’s lacrosse debut and upcoming basketball games, there is optimism for future successes and unity within the Bulls family.
This article highlights the power of community and the dedication to excellence in both athletics and academics, setting a positive outlook for the future of USF athletics.