DeLAND, Fla. – Stetson University Athletics is renewing its relationship with national nonprofit organization
Operation Hat Trick to support military service members and veterans through the sale of military-themed merchandise.
In collaboration with CLC, Follett and official licensee Colosseum Athletics, the Stetson Bookstore will offer co-branded Stetson/OHT merchandise in-store, online and at select Hatter athletic events. A specially-designed hat and t-shirt will be available for purchase at the Stetson Military Appreciation Day on Nov. 22, highlighted by the football team's season finale against the University of San Diego and the men's basketball team's contest against the Virginia Military Institute (VMI).
OHT is a nonprofit organization that generates awareness, support and funding for the recovery of America's wounded service members and veterans through the sale of OHT-branded merchandise, the proceeds from which are distributed to organizations throughout the country that support the OHT mission.
In addition to Operation Hat Trick, Stetson Athletics recently renewed its relationship with Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) and 1st Tix. These two organizations provide fans the opportunity to donate their tickets to the organizations' users to any baseball, football, men's and women's basketball and softball home games.
Through these initiatives, Stetson Athletics proudly supports and honors the nation's veterans, active-duty military members, first responders, and their families by ensuring greater access to live Hatter sporting events. Stetson first partnered with Vet Tix in 2015.
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
About Operation Hat Trick
Operation Hat Trick is recognized by GuideStar as a Platinum seal of transparency organization for its responsible stewardship (https:/learn.guidestar.org/platinum). Dedicated to Nate Hardy and Mike Koch, two Navy SEALs who were killed in Iraq in 2008 and are buried side by side at Arlington National Cemetery, OHT never forgets their sacrifice.
OHT is differentiated from other veteran-focused nonprofits by its innovative operating model. OHT pioneered the first national philanthropic co-branded cause marketing retail apparel licensing program. Rather than relying on donations to raise money, OHT receives a royalty on every product purchase of co-branded apparel and merchandise in conjunction with over 500 supporting American colleges and universities, as well as many NHL, NBA and MiLB teams. Its products are also available via online retailers such as Fanatics, Amazon and national retailers including Cracker Barrel, Dick's Sporting Goods, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Kohl's, Lids, Scheels and more. Support and learn more about Operation Hat Trick by visiting operationhattrick.org.
On October 2, 2025, Operation Hat Trick announced it has surpassed $6 million in lifetime giving since 2014.
