WaveMagazine_Spr2026_Joomag | Page 7

JU NEWS

Lacrosse( Fall 2025) along with Women’ s Club Flag Football and Club Weightlifting( Spring 2026). Each new program expands JU’ s athletic offerings and attracts students eager to represent the university in new competitive arenas.

South runner-up, falling to Florida State University 2- 1 in the championship game. The program’ s rapid rise was recognized across the conference, with multiple players and Coach Lodermeier earning CHS Awards.

A NEW ERA OF CAMPUS COMPETITION

There’ s a palpable wave of athletic energy permeating throughout campus at Jacksonville University. From the surge of intramural participation to the launch of new club teams, students are discovering fresh ways to compete, connect and build community through sport.

Since 2021, intramural sports participation has nearly doubled— rising 92 percent from 725 to 1,392 students in 2025. With options ranging from basketball and beach volleyball to pickleball and ultimate frisbee, what began as a handful of recreational opportunities has grown into a vibrant network of students finding their place and their people. That same spirit is fueling the rapid rise of club sports, where student leadership and initiative are turning passion into opportunity. In just two years, JU has added Club

From Startup to 2 nd Place in a Year In January, the Club Hockey team earned a thrilling lastsecond 5-4 victory over the University of Florida at Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena. Founded by student-athletes Michael Gugliotta and Greg Pelini( Fall 2025), the program began as a shared dream to bring hockey to JU. After a Crohn’ s disease diagnosis cut short Gugliotta’ s playing career, he returned to Jacksonville determined to build something lasting. With support from the JU community and guidance from Coach Derek Lodermeier, a former Jacksonville Icemen player, that dream took shape.

The team closed its inaugural season as College Hockey

COLLEGE HOCKEY SOUTH( CHS)

FOR JU HOCKEY

The team’ s inaugural roster includes 21 players, 10 freshmen from across the country— from New England to the Midwest. Their first home game drew more than 200 fans, filling the stands with energy and pride.“ In my 23 years at JU, groups like this have been rare— and getting to watch their passion every day has been really special,” said Bambi Brundage, Executive Director of Student Wellness and Engagement.

As JU’ s club and intramural programs continue to expand, one thing is clear: whether they’ re lacing up skates, picking up a lacrosse stick, or serving match point on the sand, Dolphins are diving into sports and campus life like never before.

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