The University of South Florida (USF) Athletics celebrated a remarkable year, achieving significant milestones across various sports. The men’s basketball team made history by securing their first American Athletic Conference regular-season title. Meanwhile, the men’s track and field team dominated by winning both the indoor and outdoor American championships, and men’s golf added a sixth American conference championship to their record.
Volleyball also reached a historic achievement, claiming their first-ever regular-season American title and their first conference title since 2002. The All-Girl Cheer team shined brightly by winning a pair of national titles at the Universal Cheerleading Association College Nationals. Additionally, several teams, including volleyball, softball, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball, triumphed over top-10 ranked opponents, showcasing the competitive spirit of USF athletics.
Reflecting on the year, Michael Kelly, Vice President for Athletics, expressed pride in the accomplishments of USF teams while also highlighting the academic achievements of student-athletes, who maintained a 3.0 GPA or higher for 20 consecutive semesters.
The football team concluded their fall season on a high note with a thrilling five-overtime victory in the Hawai’i Bowl, marking back-to-back bowl wins. Senior wide receiver Sean Atkins made history by becoming USF’s all-time leading receiver with 2,167 yards.
This year also marked the groundbreaking of a new $340 million on-campus stadium, a transformative project for USF Athletics. During this time, the 2024 USF Athletics Hall of Fame class was welcomed, honoring legends who contributed significantly to the athletic department’s heritage.
As USF looks to the future, excitement builds for spring sports. The women’s lacrosse team is set to debut on February 7, with tickets now available for lacrosse, baseball, and softball matches. The men’s basketball team will kick off conference play against East Carolina on December 31, while the women’s basketball team will host Charlotte on January 1.
In summary, the year has been filled with historic successes, both on the field and in the classroom, revealing the strong foundation and promising future of USF Athletics. As the community looks forward to 2025, the energy and enthusiasm of fans will continue to play a vital role in the Bulls’ achievements.
This article not only captures the essence of USF’s athletic achievements but also highlights the sense of community and pride amongst students, alumni, and fans, offering a hopeful outlook for the future of the program.