Florida Polytechnic University will launch its first intercollegiate athletics program this fall, adding multiple sports as the STEM-focused institution seeks 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. University officials said hiring will begin with coaches for softball and cross-country as the school builds the foundation for the program.
University leaders say the addition of athletics is designed to enhance the student experience while maintaining the school’s focus on academic achievement.
“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 well-rounded leaders,” said Bryan Brooks, the university’s vice president of student affairs, enrollment management, and strategic communications. “That’s where athletics comes in.”
Officials say the program is expected to bring as many as 150 student-athletes to campus, potentially attracting prospective students who are interested in both STEM fields and collegiate sports.
Derek Lower, the university’s director of athletics and recreation, said athletics could strengthen campus pride and create new opportunities for student engagement.
“This is great for campus pride and growth, and it gives us a more connected university community,” Lower said. “Competition always brings out the best in everybody.”
University leaders emphasized that academics will remain the institution’s primary focus even as the athletics program expands.
“We’re going to keep the academic quality at its highest, and we’re going to get really good at finding STEM athletes who excel in their sports,” Brooks said.
School officials said the move toward athletics was influenced by student interest and feedback from prospective applicants who expressed a desire for 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 organizations once the university meets membership requirements.
If approved, the program’s first competitions are scheduled for Aug. 20 and Aug. 29, when the women’s and men’s soccer teams are expected to face New College of Florida in Sarasota.
University officials say the new athletics program could also strengthen connections with surrounding communities such as Lakeland, Auburndale, and the broader Polk County area.
Lower said university leaders hope the program will eventually become a source of pride for both students and local residents.
“This program could really bring the whole community together,” he said.
id, ‘Please call me if you ever have a baseball team; I still want to go to Florida Poly.’ Now we 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 qualifications are met.
“We’re excited to welcome athletics to Florida Poly and to do it right,” Lower said. “This program could really bring the whole community together, with Auburndale, Lakeland and all of Polk County rallying around sports with Florida Poly as a central part of it.”
The program’s first competitions are scheduled for Aug. 20 and Aug. 29, with the women’s and men’s soccer teams facing New College of Florida in Sarasota.
