Daytona State has added men ’ s and women ’ s soccer to the athletic program .
to four-year institutions to pursue their academic and sports interests . The bottom line for the institution is that through student engagement , successful academic progress of the cohort , quality sports competition opportunities and achievements , and our coaches contributing with teaching college credit courses as a part of their assigned job duties has been a positive and beneficial addition to the institution .” Adding new sports also helps keep students in the area . “ Our kids were leaving the area because there just weren ’ t enough opportunities in Florida ,” LoBasso said . “ They were going to other states . We thought , why not offer a program here and keep some of our kids from leaving .” LoBasso has seen that happen in real time . “ One of our best [ student athletes we had in the program was right across the street at Mainland High School ,” he said . “ If we hadn ’ t had the program , he would have left .”
Right now , Daytona State offers 10 intercollegiate athletic sports
programs , including men ’ s and women ’ s basketball , men ’ s and women ’ s soccer , men ’ s and women ’ s cross country , volleyball , baseball , softball and golf . While other new sports may be added in the future , LoBasso said tailgating before Falcon football games is not likely to happen anytime soon .
“ I don ’ t see football for the foreseeable future , but you can never say never ,” he said . “ I think we have a good mix of programs and we may continue to look at some additional programs . We have considered other programs , perhaps tennis .” LoBasso said it ’ s not just the students that are drawn to the college ’ s athletic programs . “ We have community fans that were never students and enjoy college athletics ,” he said . “ I think that ’ s going to grow .”
county .
in beds .”
And that brings a financial ripple effect to the city and
“ We do have an economic impact ,” LoBasso said . “ It ’ s not the ( Daytona International ) Speedway impact but some teams do travel and spend the night in town , so that ’ s obviously heads
LoBasso said the college has hosted the NJCAA national golf tournament “ probably 10 times in the last 20 years ,” which brings in teams from around the country .
LoBasso said the school ’ s commitment to academics and athletics is something to be proud of .
“ When we talk to the coaches , we know we can have good academics , good retention and be competitive on our respective playing fields ,” he said .
Photos courtsey of Daytona State College
Aaron London is managing editor of Evolve Digital . He is also an adjunct professor of journalism at Daytona State College .
Daytona State ’ s women ’ s golf team celebrates another win
The new residence hall is under construction .
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