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Elevating Student Engagement: Florida Poly's New Athletics Program

Florida Polytechnic University, a leading institution in STEM education, is set to launch its new collegiate athletics program, known as Florida Poly Athletics, in the upcoming fall semester. This initiative reflects the university's commitment to enhancing the overall student experience and promoting school spirit.

The athletics program will introduce various sports, including men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross-country, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, and softball. This ambitious addition aims to connect students more deeply with their university and bolster community ties.

Bryan Brooks, the vice president of student affairs, emphasized that a well-rounded student experience is essential for academic success. He stated, "For a student to be successful, they have to be committed and excel in the classroom while having an experience outside the classroom that helps them grow into the well-rounded, successful, impactful leaders we know they can be upon graduation."

In line with this vision, Derek Lower, the director of athletics and recreation, expressed enthusiasm about the program's potential to foster a sense of pride among students. He remarked, "This is great for campus pride and growth, and it gives us a more connected University community. This will make our students bleed Poly Purple whenever we get that game-day experience."

The initiative is expected to attract up to 150 student-athletes to the campus, many of whom may not have considered attending Florida Poly previously. The university is already recognized as a top-ranked STEM institution in the nation, and the athletics program aims to build on this existing success by catering to students who are equally passionate about academics and sports.

Brooks indicated that the university’s commitment to academic excellence will not falter, stating, "We're going to keep the academic quality at its highest, and we're going to get really, really good at finding STEM athletes who are great at their sports."

The idea for the athletics program has been sparked by feedback from students and prospective applicants who have expressed a desire for more opportunities to engage with their university community. As Brooks noted, there are many students on campus eager to join a team or support their peers in athletic endeavors.

In discussions with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Sun Conference, Florida Poly plans to integrate into these leagues once the necessary qualifications are met. Brooks proudly affirmed, "Now we can give these eager students what they’ve been asking for steadily over the years.


The first competitions of Florida Poly Athletics are set to take place on August 20 and August 29, with both the men's and women's soccer teams scheduled to face off against New College of Florida in Sarasota.

This initiative is more than just an athletics program; it represents Florida Poly’s commitment to creating an inclusive community fostering both academic and extracurricular excellence. As the university opens its doors to this new chapter, the anticipation is palpable among students and faculty alike. Athletes and fans will no longer need to look elsewhere for a competitive collegiate sports environment; Florida Poly is ready to deliver a vibrant and engaging athletic experience for all.