-- On a recent Friday morning, student dropoff at eight DeLand-area elementary schools was alive with excitement. The usual hum of the early school-day rush was replaced with the sound of high fives, cheers, and laughter as Stetson University football players took their game off the field and into the heart of the community. These student-athletes were not wearing helmets or pads, but instead, their warm smiles and positive energy became the most valuable tools they carried.
Stetson football players participated in "High Five Fridays," an initiative designed to build connections between the team and local schools. On Friday, August 29, players and coaches visited DeLand schools Blue Lake Elementary, Citrus Grove Elementary, George Marks Elementary, Starke Elementary, Woodland Elemetary, St. Barnabas Episcopal School and Freedom Elementary in addition to McGinnis Elementary in DeLeon Springs.
Players and coaches greeted students, from the youngest kindergartners to the older students, as the arrived at schools to start their day by lining the school entranceways, giving high fives, encouraging the kids, and reminding them that their community cared about them.
The initiative is a continuation of Stetson's efforts to engage with its community and create lasting, positive impacts. As the players stood at the school entrances, the look on the students' faces was priceless—some kids ran up with excitement, eager to give the athletes a high five, while others took a moment to take it all in. For many of these children, seeing the Stetson players up close was not only inspiring but also served as a reminder that they too could achieve great things with hard work and dedication.
"High Five Fridays are an excellent way to not only engage our fan base and community, but to also be a positive influence in the lives of young people," said Jasper, Stetson's first-year head football coach who participated in similar events as a college and professional player. "These types of events not only encourage the children, but also provides our young men perspective on what truly matters, which is being a light to future generations."
In a world where many young people can feel disconnected from their communities or discouraged by external pressures, initiatives like High Five Fridays serve as a powerful reminder that encouragement and support can come from unexpected places. Stetson football players may be focused on achieving success in the classroom and on the field, but their involvement in the community shows that their true value lies in the impact they make off the field as well.
As the final high fives were exchanged and the last students made their way into their classrooms, the DeLand community was reminded of the power of connection. These small moments—a high five, a smile, a few encouraging words—can leave a lasting impression on a young person's heart, showing them that they matter.
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.
