Florida Tech will launch its first intercollegiate athletics program this fall, adding multiple sports as the STEM-focused university looks to expand campus life and attract new students.
The new program, known as Florida Poly Athletics, will initially include men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball and softball. Hiring will begin with softball and cross country coaches as the school builds the foundation of its program, university officials said.
University leaders say the addition of athletics is intended to enhance the student experience while maintaining the school’s emphasis on academic performance.
“To be successful, students need to be committed and excel in the classroom, while gaining experience outside of the classroom to develop into well-rounded leaders,” said Brian Brooks, the university’s vice president for student affairs, enrollment management and strategic communications. “That’s where track and field comes in.”
The program is expected to bring up to 150 student-athletes to campus and could attract prospective students interested in both STEM fields and college sports, officials said.
Derek Lower, the university’s director of athletics and recreation, said athletics can strengthen campus pride and create new opportunities for student involvement.
“This is great for campus pride and growth, and brings the university community even closer together,” Lower said. “Competition always brings out the best in everyone.”
University leaders emphasized that academics will remain the university’s primary focus even as the athletics program expands.
“We will be good at finding STEM athletes who have the highest academic quality and who excel in sports,” Brooks said.
School officials said the move to athletics was influenced by student interest and feedback from prospective students who wanted more traditional campus activities.
Florida Poly is currently in discussions with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Sun Conference about joining the organization if the university meets membership requirements.
If approved, the program’s first competitions are scheduled for Aug. 20 and Aug. 29, when the women’s soccer and men’s soccer teams will face New College of Florida in Sarasota.
University officials say the new athletics program could also strengthen connections with surrounding communities, including Lakeland, Auburndale and the greater Polk County area.
Lower said university leaders hope the program will eventually become a source of pride for both students and community members.
“This program could really bring the whole community together,” he said.
id, ‘Please let me know when you have a baseball team. I still want to go to Florida Poly. ” Now you can. ”
Florida Poly Athletics is currently in discussions with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Sun Conference, with plans to join both once final eligibility is met.
“We are excited to welcome track and field athletes to Florida Poly and do it right,” Lower said. “This program will truly unite the entire region by bringing Auburndale, Lakeland and Polk County together around Florida Poly and around sports.”
The program’s first competitions are scheduled for Aug. 20 and Aug. 29, when the women’s and men’s soccer teams will face New College of Florida in Sarasota.
