DeLAND, Fla. - When Mike Jasper arrived at Stetson University as the new head coach of Hatter Football, he made one thing clear from the start: building a winning program begins with building a connected community. In just one season, that philosophy has transformed the culture surrounding Stetson Football—on campus, in DeLand, and in the stands at Spec Martin Stadium.

High Five Fridays: Bringing the Hatters to the Community
One of Jasper's first initiatives quickly became a beloved weekly tradition. Each home game Friday during the season, Hatter players and staff visited local elementary schools for "High Five Fridays."

Hallways filled with cheering students as players stretched out their arms for a seemingly endless line of high fives, smiles, and encouragement. To the kids, it was a thrill. To the players, it was a reminder of what it means to be role models. And to the community, it was a bridge—connecting DeLand families directly to the campus and its student-athletes.

Parents shared photos, teachers incorporated the visits into class conversations, and by game day, many families who first met Hatters on Friday mornings were in the stands cheering them on.

Rising Crowds: Attendance Hits Its Highest Point Since 2019
The impact of Stetson's refocused community engagement was unmistakable. Season attendance saw a 22 percent increase, marking the program's highest attendance since 2019.

Spec Martin Stadium felt different—more electric than it has in years. Fans weren't just attending games; they were embracing the program's momentum and energy.
 

SAVE THE DATES IN 2026
Sept. 5 - Season Opener
Oct. 2 - HatterFest
Oct. 3-4 - Family & Friends Weekend
Oct. 17 - Homecoming
Nov. 14 - Senior Day & Military Appreciation

HatterFest: A New Downtown Tradition Takes Off
One of the season's standout additions was HatterFest, a new downtown DeLand celebration created in partnership with the university's Family & Friends Weekend and MainStreet DeLand Association.

Before the Hatters took on Harvard, downtown was transformed into a green-and-white celebration with live music, games, food, and community spirit. Approximately 3,000 students, alumni, families, and local residents packed the streets, creating a festival atmosphere that carried into the stadium on Saturday and set the tone for a memorable game day experience.

Spirit in Full Force: Pep Band and Cheerleaders Power the Hatter Energy
No resurgence of fan engagement happens without the heartbeat of game day: spirit. In 2025, the Hatter Pep Band and Cheerleaders performed on the field for the first time in almost seven decades.

Under the dynamic leadership of Chandler Wilson, the Hatter Pep Band played a crucial role in elevating the atmosphere at Spec Martin Stadium. This year's band brought renewed enthusiasm, performing with high energy and a bold sound that helped set the pace for the crowd. Their spirited performances—whether blasting the fight song after big plays or choreographing creative in-stand moments—became a defining part of the game-day experience.

Band members, inspired by their energetic director and each other, embraced their role as culture-builders. Their presence didn't just add music—it amplified the identity of Stetson Football.

Alongside the band, the Stetson Cheerleaders— led by passionate, high-energy coach Pete Simpson — brought unmatched excitement to the sidelines. With a renewed emphasis on community outreach, sharp routines, and constant crowd engagement, the team helped make every home game feel bigger.

Their enthusiasm spread far beyond the field. Cheerleaders participated in events across campus and the DeLand community, reinforcing the welcoming, spirited culture that Coach Jasper aims to build. Their dedication and drive made them central ambassadors of the Hatter spirit.

Fan-First Enhancements That Made an Immediate Impact
Stetson Athletics also implemented several strategic improvements to make games more accessible and enjoyable:

• Lowered season and single-game ticket prices.
• New discounted pricing for seniors and youth.
• Elimination of paid parking & simplifying game-day logistics.
• Launch of HatterZone 2.0, a popular, revamped hospitality area offering food, drinks, and comfortable environment at an affordable price.

Each enhancement reflected a commitment to putting fans first—and fans responded.

A Foundation for a New Era
Coach Jasper's first season was about more than football. It was about connection, spirit, and shared pride. From energized student groups to packed stands, from high fives in school hallways to celebrations downtown, the Hatters built momentum that stretches far beyond the scoreboard.

Stetson Football has always had heart—but now it has a movement behind it.

And if year one is any indication, it's only the beginning.
 

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.