Athletics’ Hurricane Milton relief efforts earn NCAA award recognition

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Women’s lacrosse team posing for picture during relief efforts. | Photo courtesy of FSC Athletics

Erin Grant
Staff Writer

FSC Athletics started out the year strong with a special recognition from the NCAA. Florida Southern College was named a finalist for the prestigious NCAA Division II Award of Excellence, an award that honors schools for their outstanding community service initiatives led by student athletes. This award highlights the commitment that Florida Southern- and its athletic programs- has to make a positive impact on the community. 

“We are very humbled to be selected as a finalist for the NCAA DII Award of Excellence,” Drew Howard, Director of Athletics and Dean of Wellness said. 

The nomination specifically recognizes the efforts of FSC’s student-athletes in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton this past fall. In light of all the damage caused to communities in the area, assistance was needed quickly and efficiently and FSC’s athletes stepped up to the plate. They contributed to a wide variety of relief efforts centered around the Light and Life Park senior community. According to the athletics website, the athletics department logged 792 community engagement hours, assisting with cleanup, debris removal and repairs.

Each year, finalists for the award are chosen based on their ability to academics with athletes and community engagement. A committee of athletics administrators determined that FSC fit the bill. Being named a finalist places Florida Southern among the nation’s top colleges for its dedication to fostering a culture of civic responsibility and teamwork.

The Florida Southern Athletic Department emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community as not only a way to strengthen bonds in the community, but also to grow personally into well-rounded students. 

“Community service is at the core of who we are, and we are very proud to provide opportunities for our student-athletes to pay it forward to a community that supports us so richly. This recognition is a reflection of everyone’s commitment to being a difference maker beyond the field of competition and giving to those in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton,” Howard said. 

While the college awaits the final announcement of the award recipient, Florida Southern continues to be proud of the contributions made by its athletes. Regardless of the outcome, the department will continue to work toward bettering the community, standing as a powerful example of the difference community based service can make in a team. 

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